
Glass. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



ESSENTIALS IN 

CHURCH HISTORY 



A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith 

to the Present Time (1922), with Introductory 

Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel 

and the "Falling Away" 



BY JOSEPH FIELDING SMITH 

Of the Council of the Twelve, and Church Historian 



PUBLISHED BY 

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 



Salt Lake City, Utah 

Deseret News Press 

1922 



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Copyright, 1922, 

BY HEBER J. GRANT 

Trustee-in-Tiust for the Church of Jesus Christ 

of Latter-day Saints 



©CI.A659030 

Printed in the United States of America. 

MAP. -4 '22 



Preface 

The need of a history of the Church in one volume that 
can be used for general reading, and at the same time meet 
the requirements of a textbook in the priesthood quorums, 
Church schools and auxiliary organizations, for a long time 
has been recognized. In the preparation of this volume, all 
these requirements have been given thoughtful consideration. 
\s the title of the book, Essentials in Church History, im- 
plies, the vital and essential points of history and doctrine 
have been selected, and' as far as possible, arranged in 
chronological order. The doctrines and revelations given 
to the Prophet Joseph Smith have been interwoven with the 
main story of the history in a manner, it is hoped, that will 
prove to be both interesting and instructive to the casual 
reader, as well as to the careful student. Moreover, the 
work nas been prepared with the desire that the arrangement 
of the material will stimulate in the reader a zeal for 
further research and study of other and more extensive his- 
tories, particularly the Documentary History of the Church, 
in six volumes, which covers the period of the life of the 
Prophet Joseph Smith. 

It is impossible to give, in one volume, in detail all the 
important incidents in the history of the Church. However, 
this volume is sent forth on its mission with the hope that 
it will answer fully the purpose for which it was written. 

Grateful appreciation is hereby acknowledged for in- 
valuable assistance given by Dr. John A. Widtsoe, of the 
council of the twelve, in the preparation of the manuscript. 
I also desire to express sincere thanks to Elders Edward H. 
Anderson, J. M. Sjodahl, Andrew Jenson, August William 
Lund and others, who have so willingly and cheerfully as- 
sisted in the preparation of the work. 

Joseph Fielding Smith. 



Table of Contents 

PART ONE 

Introductory: The Gospel in Ancient and Mediaeval Times. 

1. Antiquity of the Gospel 1 

2. The Falling Away 6 

3. The Protestant Revolution 15 

PART TWO. 

Opening of the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. 

4. Necessity for a Restoration 22 

.5. The Ancestry of Joseph Smith 25 

6. Boyhood of Joseph Smith 32 

7. The Vision 41 

8. The Visitation of Moroni 50 

9. Joseph Smith Receives the Record — The Priesthood 
Restored 60 

10. The Witnesses of the Book of Mormon 72 

11. Revelation on Doctrine and Church Government 84 

12. Organization -of the Church 91 

13. Beginning of the Public Ministry of the Church 95 

14. The Public Ministry of the Church (2) .' 109 



PART THREE. 

The Ohio and Missouri Period. 

15. Removal of the Church in New York to Ohio 119 

16. The Land of Zion 129 

17. The Book of Commandments — The Vision of the Glo- 
ries — The Hiram Mobbing 137 

18. Organization of the First Presidency 148 

19. Expulsion from Jackson County 156 

20. The Patriarchal Priesthood — Zion's Camp 168 

21. Choosing of the Twelve and Seventy — Dedication of 
the Kirtland Temple 179 

22. Clay County Rejects the Saints — Apostasy and Sorrow 193 

23. The Presidency Move to Missouri 205 

24. Difficulties in Missouri 216 

25. Persecutions of the Saints 233 

26. The Expulsion from Missouri 250 



V 



vi CONTENTS 

PART FOUR. 
The Nauvoo Period. 

27. The Founding of Nauvoo 263 

28. Foreign Missionary Labors 274 

29. Appeal to Washington for Redress— Further Missouri 
Persecutions 287 

30. The Nauvoo Temple and Ordinances Therein 302 

31. Joseph Smith Accused as Accessory to Assault on 
Boggs 320 

32. Doctrinal Development and Prophecy 333 

33. Missouri's Third Attempt to Capture Joseph Smith 343 

34. Joseph Smith's Candidacy for President — Nauvoo Con- 
spiracy 353 

35. The Martyrdom 367 

36. The Succession of the Twelve Apostles — Preparation 

to Leave Nauvoo 385 

PART FIVE. 

The Settlement in the Rocky Mountains. 

37. The Exodus from Nauvoo 401 

38. The Mormon Battalion 422 

39. The Pioneers 433 

40. The Land of Promise 451 

41. Organization of the Presidency — Church Activities — 
1847-1849 462 

42. Church Activities— 18,50-1857 476 

43. "The Utah War" 494 

44. The Mountain Meadows Massacre 511 

45. The Army in Utah 518 

46. A Period of Strife and Bitterness 529 

47. The Mission of Governor Shaffer and Judge McKean.. 549 

48. Church Colonization and Progress 565 

PART SIX. . 
Recent Development. 

49. The Second Period of Apostolic Presidency 575 

50. The Administration of President John Taylor 587 

51. The Administration of President Wilford Woodruff.. 603 

52. The Administration of President Lorenzo Snow 615 

53. The Administration of President Joseph F. Smith 623 

54. The Administration of President Heber J. Grant.... 633 

APPENDIX. 

The Auxiliary Organizations 645 

General Authorities of the Church 655 

Stakes of Zion 670 

Church Publications 673 

Authorities and Books of Reference 676 



CONTENTS vii 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Birthplace of Joseph Smith, Sen 27 

Joseph Smith, the Prophet 32 

Hyrum Smith, the Patriarch 34 

Birthplace of Joseph Smith, the Prophet 35 

The Sacred Grove 43 

The Hill Cumorah 55 

Circular Containing Characters from the Plates 63 

The Susquehanna River 69 

Oliver Cowdery 73 

David Whitmer 74 

Martin Harris 75 

Book of Mormon Printing Press 81 

Title Page of the Book of Mormon 82 

Sidney Rigdon 115 

Title Page of Evening and Morning Star 139 

Frederick G. Williams 152 

Title Page of Doctrine and Covenants 187 

The Kirtland Temple 191 

Vauxhall Chapel, Preston, England 203 

Lyman Wight's House, near Adam-ondi-Ahman 211 

City of Nauvoo 267 

Nauvoo Temple 308 

Orson Hyde 312 

Mount of Olives 314 

The Mansion House, Nauvoo, 111 349 

Proclamation Issued by Joseph Smith, Mayor of Nauvoo. . . . 371 

Letter Written by Joseph Smith to his Wife in Carthage Jail 378 

Brigham Young 388 

Council Bluffs Ferry 408 

Daniel H. Wells 419 

Elkhorn River Crossing 435 

Pioneer Camp at Wood River 437 

Chimney Rock 441 

Fort Laramie 443 

Orson Pratt 448 

Erastus Snow 449 

Salt Lake Valley in 1847 452 

The Old Fort 457 

Heber C. Kimball 463 

Willard Richards 464 

Kanesville 465 

Deseret News Press 430 

Hand-Cart Company on the Plains 485 

Jedediah M. Grant 492 

George A. Smith mmmm 540 

St. George Temple 562 

Brigham Young 563 

John Taylor 7 575 



viii CONTENTS 

The Endowment House 580 

George Q. Cannon 589 

Logan Temple 590 

Wilford Woodruff 603 

Manti Temple 604 

Salt Lake Temple 610 

Lorenzo Snow 615 

Joseph F. Smith 623 

John R. Winder 624 

Anthon H. Lund 625 

John Henry Smith 633 

Charles W. Penrose 634 

Heber J. Grant 638 

Hawaiian Temple 639 

Anthony W. Ivins 640 

MAPS. 

The New England States 36 

New York and Pennsylvania 97 

Ohio 121 

Upper Missouri 239 

Northern Illinois 354 

The Mormon Battalion Route 425 

The Pioneer Route 440 



ESSENTIALS IN 

CHURCH HISTORY 



PART ONE 

Introductory: The Gospel in Ancient and 
Mediaeval Times 



CHAPTER 1 
ANTIQUITY OF THE GOSPEL 

The Gospel Older than the Law. — From the time of 
the exodus from Egypt until the advent of Jesus Christ 
the Israelites were subject to the laws given to Moses. The 
belief is held by many that when the Savior supplanted 
these laws with the Gospel it w T as the first appearance 
among men of that great plan of salvation. The Gospel 
is much older than the law of Moses; it existed before 
the foundation of the world. Its principles are eternal, 
and were made known to the spirits of men in that ante- 
mortal day when Jesus Christ was chosen to be the 
"Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." All 
necessary preparations were made in the spirit life for the 
peopling of this earth in a mortal existence. It was there 
decided that Adam should come to this earth and stand as 
the progenitor of the race. 

The Fall of Man and His Redemption. — That Adam 
and his posterity might gain the experience that can only 
be obtained in mortality, it was necessary that he should 
break the law by which he was governed in the Garden of 
Eden, and thereby subject himself and his posterity to 
death. To gain an exaltation man must have experience 
and must exercise his free will. Then, knowing both good 
and evil, by obeying the will of the Father he will receive 
a reward for the good deeds done while in the flesh. The 

2 



2 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

fall of man brought temptation, sin and death. It was 
therefore essential that a Redeemer be provided through 
whose atonement for the fall, all men, without regard to 
their belief, race, or color, are entitled to come forth in the 
resurrection of the dead, to be judged according to their 
works. "For since by man came death, by man came also 
the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even 
so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Cor. 15:21-22). 

Individual Salvation Taught to Adam. — Individual 
salvation requires that a man must repent and accept the 
fulness of the Gospel if he would be exalted in the kingdom 
of God. This plan of salvation was taught to Adam after 
his expulsion from the Garden of Eden. He was baptized 
in water for the remission of his sins, in the name of the 
only Begotten of the Father, and received the Holy Ghost. 
He and his wife, Eve, were commanded to teach their chil- 
dren the Gospel, that they also "might be sanctified from 
all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and 
eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory" 
(Moses ch. 6). 

In obedience to this commandment Adam and Eve made 
all these things known to their sons and daughters. Thus 
the Gospel was taught in the beginning and was declared 
from generation to generation. Adam received the Holy 
Priesthood, which was also conferred upon the patriarchs 
who followed after him. They were "preachers of right- 
eousness, and spake and prophesied, and called upon all 
men, everywhere, to repent, and faith was taught unto the 
children of men" (Moses 6:22). 

The Gospel Rejected in Days of Noah. — In the days 
of Noah the Gospel was universally rejected, save by Noah 
and his immediate family — in all eight souls. Noah had 
labored diligently and long to bring mankind to repentance, 
but without avail, "for all flesh had corrupted his way 
upon the earth" (Moses 8:29). After the destruction of the 
wicked in the flood, the Gospel continued to be taught by 
Noah and the later patriarchs, but quite generally it was not 
received. Melchizedek, king of Salem, through his faith- 



ANTIQUITY OF THE GOSPEL 3 

fulness, became a great high priest, and the people of the 
Church in his day honored him by calling the "Holy Priest- 
hood after the order of the Son of God," by his name, "out 
of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being" 
(D. & C. 107:4). From Melchizedek, Abraham received the 
Priesthood, and to Melchizedek, as the properly authorized 
servant of the Lord, Abraham paid tithes of all he pos- 
sessed. (Gen. 14:20.) 

The Covenant with Abraham. — Unto Abraham also 
was the Gospel preached and the Lord made covenant with 
him that through him and his posterity should all nations 
of the earth be blessed. (Gen. 22:18.) This same Gospel 
was also declared to the children of Israel in its simple truth ; 
but they proved unworthy to receive it in its fulness, due to 
their long sojourn in Egypt, where they had partaken of the 
customs, traditions and theology of the Egyptians, and 
therefore "the word preached did not profit them, not be- 
ing mixed with faith in them that heard it" (Heb. 4:2). 
The Lord endeavored to establish the fulness of his Gospel 
and authority among them, which Moses plainly taught, 
and he sought to sanctify the people, "that they might be- 
hold the face of God; but they hardened their hearts and 
could not endure his presence, therefore the Lord in his 
wrath (for his anger was kindled against them) swore that 
they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, 
which rest is the fulness of his glory" (D. & C. 84:23-24). 

The Higher Priesthood and the Carnal Law. — It be- 
came necessary, therefore, for the Lord to take Moses and 
the Higher Priesthood out of their midst, but the Lesser 
Priesthood, which holds the keys of the ministering of an- 
gels and the preparatory Gospel— faith, repentance and bap- 
tism for the remission of sins — he permitted to remain. To 
this he added the carnal law, known as the law of Moses, 
which was added, so Paul informs us, as a schoolmaster to 
prepare them to receive the fulness of the Gospel when re- 
stored by Jesus Christ. 

The Israelites, from the time they .entered the promised 
land to the coming of the Son of God, were living under 



4 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

the law of Moses, which laid upon them severe and exact- 
ing restrictions because of their refusal to receive the ful- 
ness of the Gospel when it was offered in the wilderness. 
When the Savior came, it was to complete and fulfil the 
ends of this law, of which he said not one jot or title should 
pass until all was fulfilled. 

Dispensation of the Meridian of Time. — In the Dis- 
pensation of the Meridian of Time, when the Savior min- 
istered among the Jews, he restored the Gospel with the 
Higher Priesthood. He called and ordained Twelve Apos- 
tles and gave them power, before his ascension into heaven, 
to complete the church organization, and commissioned 
them to carry the message of divine salvation into all the 
world. In restoring that which had been taken away, he 
annulled the carnal law, which had been added in the place 
of the higher law, for it had filled the measure of its cre- 
ation. 

Commission of the Apostles. — Under the commission 
Jesus gave the apostles to carry the Gospel message into all 
the world and preach it to every creature, they commenced 
their active ministry on the day of Pentecost, preaching in 
power to the convincing of many souls. As the work of 
the ministry grew, and the assistance of other laborers was 
required to carry on the work, men were divinely called and 
ordained to specific offices in the Church. The Lord, him- 
self, had called and ordained, besides the twelve, seventies, 
and sent them forth throughout Judea bearing the message 
of truth. When they returned from that missionary journey 
it was with much rejoicing because even the devils were sub- 
ject unto them. What other officers the Lord ordained and 
set apart, the scriptures do not reveal. That the Twelve 
Apostles were empowered to set in order all things pertain- 
ing to the Church, is, nevertheless, beyond dispute. We learn 
that under their direction and ministry, as branches were 
formed and the work of the ministry required it, high 
priests, evangelists, patriarchs, elders, bishops, deacons, 
priests, pastors and teachers were called into the service of 
the Church. The organization was in this manner effected 



ANTIQUITY OF THE GOSPEL 5 

during the days of the apostles. The Church was also 
blessed with the divine gifts and blessings of the Spirit of 
the Lord in those early days, just as it was during the 
Savior's ministry. There were in the Church many prophets 
who uttered, by the gift of the Holy Ghost, many remark- 
able predictions. 

Essential Offices in the Church. — All of these of- 
fices in the Church, are essential to the advancement of the 
members and cannot be discarded with impunity. Paul said, 
the Lord "gave some apostles; and some prophets; and 
some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; for the. 
perfection of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the 
edifying of the body of Christ." These were not merely to 
remain in the Church during the formative period, or for 
a brief season in order to start the work, and then to be re- 
placed by other officers of another kind. Men were or- 
dained to these callings "for the edifying of the body of 
Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the 
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the 
measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (Eph. 4:12- 
13). Evidently, then, as long as there is imperfection in 
the Church among the members, in doctrine, knowledge, 
or love, they fall short of "the stature of the fulness of 
Christ." 

These officers are all needed and cannot justly be re- 
moved, for the Lord never so intended. The writer of the 
epistle to the Ephesians also further compares all these offi- 
cers to the various parts of the human body and says : "From 
whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted 
by that which every joint supplieth, according to the ef- 
fectual working in the measure of every part, maketh in- 
crease of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." This 
same apostle also likens the spiritual gifts to the physical 
body, declaring each to be essential in the Church, just as 
the parts of the body are each necessary and one part can- 
not say to another, "I have no need of you," for all are 
necessary that all men may "profit withal." 



CHAPTER 2 
THE FALLING AWAY 

The Body of the Church Destroyed. — Notwithstand- 
ing that the early officers of the Church were endowed with 
the Holy Priesthood and exercised the spiritual gifts, which 
were to remain until all came "unto a perfect man unto the 
stature of the fulness of Christ," there came a great and 
terrible change, absolutely destroying the perfect body of the 
Church. In its place arose a strange organization which 
eventually gained dominion over the earth and ruled the 
destinies of men, not in love unfeigned, but in blood and 
carnage most appalling, and with an iron hand. 

The Falling Away Predicted. — The rise of this power 
had been predicted by many of the prophets of old and by 
the apostles of our Lord. Even the Savior, when instructing 
his disciples regarding the signs of the times, intimated that 
this would occur. Isaiah, seven centuries before the birth of 
Christ, predicted that the time would come when the earth 
would be defiled under its inhabitants because of the trans- 
gression of the law, the changing of ordinances and the 
breaking of the new and everlasting covenant. It is evident 
that this was to occur in the latter days, and not in the days 
of Israel's subjection to the law, for the law of Moses was 
not an everlasting covenant. This prophecy was to receive 
its consummation in the day when the earth, defiled by the 
wickedness and corruption of its inhabitants, . should be 
cleansed by fire and few men left. (Isaiah 24:1-6.) 

The Prophecies of Isaiah and Amos. — Speaking of 
this event Isaiah says : "For the Lord hath poured out upon 
you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the 
prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered." Short- 
ly before this time, Amos also predicted that the time would 
come when the Lord would send a famine in the land, "not 



THE FALLING AWAY 7 

a famine of bread," said he, "nor a thirst for water, but of 
hearing the words of the Lord." 

The Vision of Daniel. — Daniel saw in vision the over- 
throw of the Church established by the Savior in the merid- 
ian of time. In his vision of the four beasts, representing 
the kingdoms seen by Nebuchadnezzar in his dream, he saw 
one horn, or power, come up among the ten that succeeded 
the Roman Empire, "more stout than his fellows." This 
horn had eyes and a mouth that spake very great words 
against the Most High, and three other kingdoms were sub- 
dued by this great horn. The same power "made war with 
the saints and prevailed against them," and through con- 
tinued conflict and exercise of might was able to "wear out 
the saints of the Most High" and thought to "change times 
and laws." This blasphemous power was to rule until the 
coming of the Ancient of Days, when the kingdom and 
dominion was to be "given to the people of the saints of the 
Most High whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom." 

Apostasy Commenced in Days of Apostles. — The fall- 
ing away from the faith commenced before the close of the 
ministry of the apostles. Paul, when at Miletus taking his 
final departure from the elders of Ephesus who had come 
to meet him, earnestly entreated them to take heed to feed 
the Church of God, for, said he, "I know this, that after my 
departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not 
sparing the flock, and of yourselves shall men arise, speak- 
ing perverse things to draw away disciples after them." He 
also took occasion to warn the Saints at Thessalonica not 
to be deceived regarding the ushering in of the second ad- 
vent of the Son of God, "for that day," he wrote to them, 
"shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and 
that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who op- 
poseth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or 
that is worshiped ; so that he as God sitteth in the temple 
of God, showing himself that he is God." 

The Predictions of Paul. — The Saints at Galatia com- 
menced very early to depart from the faith. Timothy was 



S ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

warned by Paul, and instructed that in the last days perilous 
times would come and men would be "lovers of their own- 
selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient 
to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, 
truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers 
of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of 
pleasures more that lovers of God ; having a form of godli- 
ness, but denying the power thereof." Moreover, he said 
the time would come, " when they will not endure sound doc- 
trine; lbut after their own lusts shall they heap to them- 
selves teachers, having itching ears ; and they shall turn away 
their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 

Prophecy of Peter. — Peter, likewise, by the spirit of 
prophecy, bore record of the departure from the faith when 
he wrote to the Saints, saying : "But there were false prophets 
also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers 
among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, 
even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon 
themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their 
pernicious ways ; by reason of whom the way of truth shall 
be evil spoken of." Then he sought to impress upon the 
minds of the Saints the fact that the prophets before him 
had also predicted these direful events, saying: "That ye 
may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by 
the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apos- 
tles of the Lord and Savior; knowing this first, that there 
shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own 
lusts, and saying : Where is the promise of his coming ? for 
since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were 
from the beginning of the creation." 

The Mystery of Iniquity. — As already stated, Paul 
declared to the Thessalonians that the "mystery of iniquity" 
was already at work, and to Timothy he said: "All they 
which are in Asia be turned away from me." He had, we 
are led to believe, had some dispute with Asiatic converts, 
for he wrote to Timothy in great sorrow because some of 
his companions had forsaken him and were advocating doc- 



THE FALLING AWAY 9 

trines contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In trying to 
correct these evils he was left to contend alone, for he adds : 
"At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men 
forsook me." 

Decline of Spiritual Gifts. — It was not long after the 
departure of the apostles that spiritual gifts ceased to be 
manifest in the Church. The decline of these blessings, 
which are inseparably connected with the Church of Christ, 
led to the belief, so prevalent even in this day, that they 
were not to be continued, having been instituted in the 
incipiency of the Church, merely as a means of aiding in 
its establishment, after which they were no longer needed. 

Revelation and heavenly communication also came to an 
end. There was no more vision, for the people had closed 
their eyes. This condition also led to the universal belief, 
which the world holds even now, that the canon of scrip- 
ture is full and there is to be no more scripture, notwith- 
standing the Lord has revealed through his servants that 
revelation is to continue. 

Changes in Church Government. — The offices in the 
Priesthood were also changed because those unto whom the 
Gospel was preached would not endure sound doctrine, but 
after their own lusts heaped to themselves teachers having 
itching ears and were "men of corrupt minds, reprobate 
concerning the faith." 

The Church Taken from Among Men. — Instead of 
apostles and prophets there came, as time went on, a very 
different ecclesiastical order from that instituted by the 
Lord. The Church established by the Redeemer was taken 
from the earth because of continued persecution and apos- 
tasy, until there was but a dead form of the true Church 
left. The great ecclesiastical organization that arose and 
claimed to be the Church of Christ was of gradual growth. 
The change from truth to error was not made all in one 
day. It commenced in the first century and continued dur- 
ing the immediate centuries that followed, until the Church 
established in the days of the apostles was no more to be 



10 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

found among men. Without the direction of inspired men, 
who could communicate with God, the change was a natural 
one. 

Rise of the Church of Rome. — In the beginning of the 
fourth century this great religious power, under the Em- 
peror Constantine became the state religion of the Roman 
Empire. From that time forth its dominion spread and be- 
fore many years had passed away it became the ruling pow- 
er in religion in the so-called civilized world. By it "times 
and laws" were changed. The simple principles of the 
Christian faith were embellished almost beyond recognition 
with pomp and mystic rites borrowed from pagan worship. 
The priests and potentates, who officiated in these cere- 
monies, no longer followed the simple customs of the humble 
fishermen of Galilee but, dressed in splendid and costly 
robes, with mitres on their heads, they performed their 
various parts in pride and with mystifying ceremonies that 
over-awed and bewildered the humble people. 

Changes in the Doctrines of the Church. — The cor- 
rect doctrine regarding the Godhead taught by Jesus Christ, 
was changed into a mystery. The ordinance of baptism was 
changed from burial in the water for the remission of sins, 
to sprinkling of a little water on the head. Sprinkling of in- 
fants, miscalled baptism, a custom which "is mockery before 
God, denying the mercies of Christ, and the power of the 
Holy Spirit," became a fixed and universal custom. Changes 
in the administration of the sacrament of the Lord's supper 
were also introduced, and the doctrine advanced that the 
bread and wine became the flesh and blood of our crucified 
Redeemer, by transubstantiation. Those who entered the 
ministry were forbidden to marry, and many other changes, 
which need not be mentioned here, were made in the prin- 
ciples of the Gospel, in the functions of the Priesthood and 
the worship of the Lord. 

Temporal Power of the Pope. — Rome became the 
capital of this ecclesiastical power and the bishop or pope, 
as he was called, its head. As its power grew it claimed 



THE FALLING AWAY 11 

dominion not only in matter religious, but in civil affairs as 
well. During the acme of its glory it ruled practically the 
known world. By it kings were made and by it they were 
dethroned. Unless they bowed before the papal power in 
abject submission they were made to feel the weight of its 
mighty hand. 

Frederick Seebohm, in his Era of the Protestant Revo- 
lution, says : "Kings were not secure on their thrones till they 
had the sanction of the Church. On the other hand the 
clergy claimed to be free from prosecution under the crim- 
inal laws of the land they lived in. They struggled to keep 
their own ecclesiastical laws and their own ecclesiastical 
courts, receiving authority direct from Rome, and with final 
appeal, not to the crown, but to the pope." 

"To establish an accusation against a bishop," writes 
Motley, in his Rise of the Dutch Republic, "seventy-two 
witnesses were necessary ; against a deacon, twenty-seven ; 
against an inferior dignitary, seven; while two were suf- 
ficient to convict a layman." 

Power of the Clergy. — Few outside of the clergy were 
educated enough to read and write; therefore priests be- 
came the lawyers, diplomats, ambassadors, instructors and 
prime ministers in the nations. All learned men talked and 
wrote in Latin, which was the language of Rome. It is said 
that for centuries a man convicted of a crime in England, by 
showing that he could read or write, could claim the bene- 
fits of a trial in the ecclesiastical court, which, "by long 
abuse came to mean exemption from the punishment of the 
criminal law of the land." 

Not only did the priests fill these important offices where 
they were enabled to wield great power and to control, very 
largely, the destinies of nations, but many of them became 
extremely avaricious and "divined for money." Jean de 
Valdez, brother of the secretary to King Charles V., wrote 
of the times as follows : "I see that we can scarcely get any- 
thing from Christ's ministers but for money; at baptism 
money, at bishoping money, at marriage money, for confes- 



12 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

sion money — no, not extreme unction without money ! They 
will ring no bells without money, no burial in Church with- 
out money ; so that it seemeth that Paradise is shut up from 
them that have no money. The rich is buried in the Church, 
the poor in the church-yard. The rich may marry with his 
nearest kin, but the poor not so, albeit he be ready to die for 
love of her. The rich may eat flesh in Lent, but the poor 
may not, albeit fish perhaps be much dearer. The rich man 
may readily get large indulgences, but the poor none, be- 
cause he wanteth money to pay for them" ("Era of the Pro- 
testant Revolution/' p. 60). 

In addition to all this they taxed the people in various 
ways, receiving a tithing from all produce of the farms, a 
tenth of the land and of the wages of the working man. 
Writes Motley : "Not content, moreover, with their terri- 
tories and their tithings, the churchmen perpetually devised 
new burdens upon the peasantry. Plows, sickles, horses, 
oxen, all implements of husbandry were taxed for the bene- 
fit of those who toiled not, but who gathered into barns." 

Sale of Indulgences.* — Some of these ecclesiastical 
rulers became so avaricious and filled with the spirit of 
greed that they advanced the blasphemous doctrine of for- 
giving sins by the sale of indulgences. It is claimed by the 
Church of Rome that these evils were the sins of individuals 
who perverted the doctrine of the church in relation to 
penance and forgiveness of sin. The indulgence was, ac- 
cording to their teaching, "a pardon usually granted by the 
pope, through which the contrite sinner escaped a part, or 
all, of the punishment which remained even after he had 
been absolved. The pardon did not therefore forgive the 
guilt of the sinner, for that had necessarily to be removed 
before the indulgence was granted ; it only removed or miti- 
gated the penalties which even the forgiven sinner would, 
without the indulgence, have expected to undergo in purga- 
tory." 



^"History of Western Europe," p. 39, James Harvey Robin- 
son. 



THE FALLING AWAY 13 

However, the sale of indulgences in various parts of 
Europe, was a means of creating large fortunes for those 
who sanctioned it. There was no crime in the category for 
which the power of forgiveness was not offered if the party 
seeking it could pay the price. The various countries were 
districted and farmed for the collection of these revenues, 
according to John Lathrop Motley, the historian, who writes : 

"The price current of the wares offered for sale was 
published in every town and village [in the Nether- 
lands]. God's pardon for crimes already committed, or 
about to be committed, was advertized according to a 
graded tariff. Thus poisoning, for example, was ab- 
solved for eleven ducats, six livres tournois. Absolu- 
tion for incest was afforded at thirty-six livres, three 
ducats. Perjury came to seven livres and three car- 
lines. Pardon for murder, if not by poison, was cheaper. 
Even a parricide could buy forgiveness at God's tribunal 
at one ducat, four livres, eight carlines. Henry de Mount- 
fort, in the year 1448, purchased absolution for that 
crime at that price. Was it strange that a century or so 
of this kind of work should produce a Luther? Was it un- 
natural that plain people, who loved the ancient Church, 
should rather desire to see her purged of such blasphem- 
ous abuses than to hear of St. Peter's dome rising a lit- 
tle nearer to the clouds on these proceeds of commuted 
crime? * * * The Netherlands, like other countries, 
are districted and farmed for the collection of this papal 
revenue. Much of the money thus raised remains in the 
hands of the vile collectors. Sincere Catholics, who love 
and honor the ancient religion, shrink with horror at 
the spectacle offered on every side. Criminals buying 
paradise for money, monks spending the money thus 
paid in gaming houses, taverns, and brothels; this seems 
to those who have studied their Testaments a different 
scheme of salvation from the one promulgated by Christ. 
There has evidently been a departure from the system 
of earlier apostles. Innocent conservative souls are 
much perplexed; but at last all these infamies arouse a 
giant to do battle with the giant wrong." 6 

&"The Rise of the Dutch Republic," Vol. 1, pp. 63-66, Motley 



14 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Thus were the prophecies of the scriptures fulfilled ; the 
laws transgressed by a power that exalted itself "above all 
that is called God" and in his sacred name speaking "great 
words against the Most High." 



CHAPTER 3 
THE PROTESTANT REVOLUTION 

The "Dark Ages." — Not content with absolute domin- 
ion over the spiritual and temporal affairs of the people, 
this papal kingdom attempted the exercise of authority alsr 
over the consciences of men. Especially was this so during 
the dark ages, when this power was at the zenith of its 
glory. This exercise of authority extended also far into the 
day when the light of religious freedom commenced to break 
forth, during the period known as the revival of learning. 
Previous to this revival, as we have seen, the language of 
learning was the Latin tongue. The people were helplessly 
dependent upon their priests for all instruction in scientific 
as well as religious thought. The few copies of the Bible 
extant were guarded by the clergy, and the scriptures were 
not accessible to the common people, and since they could 
neither read nor write, and in very few instances under- 
stood Latin, they would have been helpless even with the 
Bible in their hands. Under these conditions it is not to be 
wondered at that the poor people of those benighted coun- 
tries of Europe, credulous and filled with superstitious fear, 
were ready to accept almost anything that was made known 
to them, in doctrine or deed, by unscrupulous priests. 

The Revival of Learning. — Neither is it to be won- 
dered at that priests attempted to use force and coercion 
during the revival of learning to check the opportunities of 
the people in obtaining light and truth. It was due to the 
exercise of greater knowledge on the part of the priests and 
their performance of mystic ceremonies, that over-awed the 
people and enabled the clergy to keep them shackled by the 
chains of ignorance and superstition. Ignorance was a 
ready tool in the hands of the priests by which they shaped 
and moulded the masses into vessels to their liking. The 
increase of learning among the people, aided by the dis- 



16 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

coveries and inventions of the times, would change all this ; 
for the people would not be so ready to accept every wind 
of doctrine without some mental cogitation and desire to 
have a reason given why things were thus and so. More- 
over, the revival of learning meant the end of many prac- 
tices and blasphemous doctrines advanced in the name of 
Jesus Christ, such as the exercise of force over the con- 
sciences of men and the sale of indulgences for the pardon 
of sin — if not the end, at least a wonderful modification of 
such an evil system. 

Early Translations of the Bible. — Evidently this rul- 
ing ecclesiastical power realized that enlightened conditions 
would bring rebellion against its authority. For that rea- 
son stringent laws were framed to enforce the edicts and 
regulations of the church of Rome. During the "Reforma- 
tion" and before, there were several translations of the 
Bible made in the languages which the common people un- 
derstood. Wycliffe's Bible appeared in 1380 and was fol- 
lowed by translations at a later date, both in English and 
other tongues. At first there was an attempt to destroy 
these copies which were prepared without authority or sanc- 
tion from the Catholic Church. With the invention of print- 
ing in the fifteenth century, however, the cause of re- 
ligious freedom received a wonderful impetus, and Bibles 
were distributed all over Europe. Before the time of print- 
ing a Bible cost five hundred crowns, and such copies as 
were in existence were in the keeping of the clergy, who 
guarded them with the utmost zeal. Through the aid of 
printing, the price of Bibles was reduced to five crowns, 
which made it possible for the people not only to have the 
privilege of hearing the scriptures read in their own tongue, 
but also to acquire the understanding by which they could 
read them for themselves. 

Scripture-Reading Forbidden. — An English chron- 
icler, Henry Kneighton, many years before the "Reforma- 
tion" expressed the prevailing notion about the reading of 
the scriptures when he denounced the general reading of the 



THE PROTESTANT REVOLUTION 17 

i 

Bible, lamenting "lest the jewel of the Church, hitherto the 
exclusive property of the clergy and divines, should be made 
common to the laity." Archbishop Arundel in England had 
issued an enactment that "no part of the scriptures in Eng- 
lish should be read, either in public or in private, or be 
thereafter translated, under pain of the greater excommuni- 
cation." The New Testament translation of Erasmus was 
forbidden at Cambridge, and the Vicar of Croyden said 
from his pulpit: "We must root out printing, or printing 
will root us out." In the reign of Henry VIII. the reading 
of the Bible by the common people, or those who were not 
of the privileged class, had been prohibited by act of Parlia- 
ment, and men were burned at the stake in England as well 
as in the Netherlands and other parts of Europe for having 
even fragments of the scriptures in their hands. 

For those who were considered derelict in church du- 
ties or heretical in doctrine, edicts were declared, forbid- 
ding them to gather in private assemblies for devotion, in 
various parts of Europe. All reading of the scriptures; all 
discussion within one's own doors concerning faith, the 
sacraments, the papal authority, or other religious matter, 
was forbidden "under penalty of death. The edicts were no 
dead letter. The fires were kept constantly supplied with 
human fuel by monks who knew the act of burning reform- 
ers better than of arguing with them.* The scaffold was the 
most conclusive of syllogisms, and used upon all occasions" 
{The Rise of the Dutch Republic, Motley). 

The Inquisition. — Continuing this woeful account of 
conditions in the rebellious Netherlands and other coun- 
tries under Spanish rule, the author of The Rise of the 
Dutch Republic says : "Charles V. introduced and organized 
a papal institution, side by side with those horrible 'Placards' 
of his invention, which constituted a masked inquisition even 
more cruel than that of Spain. * * * The execution of 
the system was never permitted to languish. The number 
of Netherlanders who were burned, strangled, beheaded, or 
buried alive, in obedience to his edicts, and for the offense 



18 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

of reading the scriptures, of looking askance at a graven 
image, or of ridiculing the actual presence of the body and 
blood of Christ in a wafer, have been placed as high as one 
hundred thousand by distinguished authorities, and have 
never been put at a lower mark than fifty thousand." 

Dawning of a Better Day.— Conditions like these 
could not go on forever. The dawn of a better day began 
to break over the nations. The Spirit of the Lord was 
striving with men and preparations commenced for the in- 
troduction into the world of the re-established Gospel at a 
later day. It was necessary that the shackles of superstitious 
fear and illiteracy, which bound the world so completely, 
should be broken, that men might exercise their right of free 
agency before the fulness of Gospel light should break 
forth. Not only was advancement made in the art of print- 
ing, but there came a revival of learning and research in 
all directions and in all parts of Europe. It was not con- 
fined to one land or to one people, but the whole of Europe 
took on a new life. The discovery of the telescope, the law 
of gravitation, the invention of gunpowder and many other 
wonderful things, were revolutionizing the thoughts of men. 

The Mission of Columbus. — With the discovery of 
the mariner's compass navigators became more bold and 
daring, and gradually extended their explorations until they 
discovered the way to India around the Cape of Good Hope. 
Near the close of the fifteenth century the belief prevailed 
that the earth was flat and inhabited only on the upper side. 
Beyond the shores of lands then known it was thought there 
hung a pall of fog and darkness. The sea was referred to 
as the "Sea of Darkness" beyond the boundaries known to 
man. Far off in or beyond the ocean it was believed great 
dragons had their lair, and if any man should be so un- 
fortunate as to drift among them he would return no more. 
Mariners had been afraid to traverse the seas far beyond the 
sight of land. Shortly before the end of this century there 
came one navigator more daring than his fellows, who pro- 
posed to cross the sea. After many pleadings and attempts 



THE PROTESTANT REVOLUTION 19 

to interest some one with means in the venture, he finally 
succeeded and the remarkable feat was done. In accomp- 
lishing this he made discoveries that the Lord, in his wis- 
dom, had kept hid from the nations of the east all down 
through the ages, until in his own due time he desired them 
to be revealed. Columbus was moved upon by the Spirit 
of the Lord and crossed the waters in fulfilment of predic- 
tions made by a prophet, who lived on this continent, five 
hundred years before the birth of Christ. 

The "Reformation." — All these things played an im- 
portant part in the establishment of individual and religious 
freedom. The most important agency of all in this great 
work was doubtless the so-called "Reformation," which was 
in fact a revolution from the bondage of the church of Rome. 
Great men of intellectual power began to undermine the 
thraldom of the religious world. This rebellion against the 
dominion of Rome was almost simultaneous in the various 
lands. In England, Scandinavia, France, Switzerland, the 
Netherlands and Germany, many "reformers" arose near the 
end of the fifteenth and during the sixteenth century. They 
were of varying degrees of enthusiasm and opposition to 
the teachings of that time. In the beginning their only de- 
sire was to correct evils within the Catholic Church, but fail- 
ing in this many of them openly rebelled and set up inde- 
pendent churches of their own. 

Martin Luther. — The greatest of these "reformers" 
was Martin Luther in Germany, who did more than an)' 
other individual in casting off the yoke of bondage placed 
upon the people by the papacy. Powerful princes came to 
his aid, but there was not in Germany at that time the co- 
hesion of the people, or the centralization of power, that 
existed in England under Henry VIII., or in Sweden, where 
Gustavus Vasa reigned. Luther's task, therefore, was a 
heavy one, but he nobly carried it through to the bitter end. 

The Protestant Revolution a Preparatory Work. — 
Their mission was not, however, to set up the Church of 
Christ, for the time was not ripe, and that important event 



20 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

was reserved for another generation. They were called to 
be forerunners of that eventful day, and did much to pre- 
pare the world for the ushering in of the Dispensation of the 
Fulness of Times. The Lord did not call them to their 
great work by an opening of the heavens ; by visitation of 
angel, or direct communication, as in times of old ; neither 
did any of them claim that in this manner they had been 
called. Nevertheless it was the Spirit of the Lord which 
rested upon them and inspired them to fight against the 
abominations and practices of their times committed in the 
name of religion. Such, at least, was the case with most of 
them. The motive of Henry VIII. of England, was a sel- 
fish one; yet the Lord brought good out of it in behalf of 
religious freedom. At first Henry opposed the rebellion of 
Luther and others most vigorously, even writing in defense 
of the pope of Rome, for which service he received the bene- 
diction of the pope and the title of "Defender of the Faith." 
Afterwards, when his own interests where in conflict with 
the policy of the Catholic Church and in no wise he could 
prevail, he became rebellious, with the result that he was 
excommunicated by the pope. In defense he established an 
independent church, known today as the Church of Eng- 
land, of which he became the head. Parliament and the 
people were back of him and thus the great state church of 
England was brought into being. 

Disagreement Among "Reformers." — The pity of it 
all is that these "reformers" when they established their re- 
ligious freedom, could not agree among themselves. They 
were constantly in turmoil, contending one with another on 
points of doctrine, which led to considerable bitterness and 
the establishing of various and conflicting sects. Moreover, 
they had not learned the lesson themselves, through all the 
persecutions they were forced to suffer, that toleration was a 
fundamental principle of freedom. Because this great les- 
son had not been learned the persecuted became the perse- 
cutors in many cases, and were just as intolerant where they 



THE PROTESTANT REVOLUTION 21 

had the power with those who disagreed with them as their 
enemies had been with them. 

America a Land of Freedom. — Nevertheless the seeds 
of toleration had been sown, but they were of slow growth. 
Toleration was a matter of education and therefore came 
by degrees and could not burst forth in full fruition at once. 
Not until there had been much shedding of blood in Europe, 
and more particularly in America during the war for in- 
dependence, were the people fully awakened to this truth. 
It required a planting in new soil in a choice land above all 
ether lands. Here in America freedom and religious tolera- 
tion became a fundamental part of our great government. 
Our land became a land of refuge for the afflicted, the 
downtrodden, and the oppressed of other nations, who found 
in the United States a haven of rest; for this land had been 
dedicated to liberty by the shedding of blood. 

Praise be to the great souls who conducted the Protest- 
ant Revolution. They helped to make it possible for the es- 
tablishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints in the early part of the nineteenth century, prepara- 
tory to the second coming of the Son of God. For all the 
good they did we honor them, and they shall receive their 
reward which shall be great. They were not restorers, but 
were sent to prepare the way for one who was yet to come 
with a mission of restoration and everlasting power. 



PART TWO 

Opening of the Dispensation of the 
Fulness of Times 



CHAPTER 4 
NECESSITY FOR A RESTORATION 

The Marvelous Work. — The work of the Protestant 
revolution having been accomplished, and the land of 
America having been prepared by the sowing of the 
seed of religious freedom, the time for the restoration 
of the Gospel had arrived. The promise made by the 
Savior that the Gospel of the kingdom should be preached 
in all the world for a witness, was about to be fulfilled, 
and the Church of Jesus Christ was again to be estab- 
lished in the earth. The "marvelous work and a wonder," 
which Isaiah predicted should come forth in the latter 
days, was about to make its appearance, to the con- 
founding of the wisdom of the worldly wise. 

Reasonable and Scriptural to Expect a Restoration. — 
It is reasonable as well as scriptural, to believe that the 
Lord, before he shall come in judgment and to commence 
his reign of a thousand years, will send a messenger to 
prepare the way before him. In justice the people should 
be warned and given the privilege of repentance and re- 
mission of sins, through the preaching of the Gospel, and 
have an opportunity for membership in the Church of 
Christ. "Surely the Lord God will do nothing," said 
Amos, "until he revealeth the secret unto his servants 
the prophets." 

Ancient Predictions to be Fulfilled. — Many of the 
ancient prophets had spoken of the opening of the heav- 
ens and revealing anew to man, the everlasting Gospel, 



a Amos 3: 7. The Prophet Joseph Smith's revision. 



NECESSITY FOR A RESTORATION 23 

before the second coming of the Lord. The visitation oi 
heavenly messengers, and the pouring out of the Spirit 
of the Lord, in which the sons and daughters of Israel 
should prophesy, old men dream dreams, and the young 
men see visions, were also foretold as events for the latter 
days. 

Daniel Saw Our Day. — Daniel, in vision, while an ex- 
ile at the court of Babylon's great king, saw our day and 
the work of setting up the kingdom which should be 
given to the Saints of the Most High, who should pos- 
sess it "even forever and forever." The same event he 
confirmed in the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's 
dream of the wonderfully constructed image. It was to 
be in the last days at a time when the kingdoms repre- 
sented by the toes of the image should bear rule. In that 
day the God of heaven will "set up a kingdom which 
shall never be destroyed, or left to other people." 

Vision of John. — John also saw the time when the 
Gospel should be declared by an angel flying in the midst 
of heaven "having the everlasting gospel to preach unto 
them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and 
kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud 
voice, Fear God, and give glory to him ; for the hour of 
his judgment is come: and worship him that made heav- 
en, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." 
This also was to be in the last day, when the people 
were departed from the teachings of the Lord, and need- 
ed a call unto repentance, for this angel was to be fol- 
lowed by another who should say: "Babylon is fallen, 
is fallen ;" and before Babylon should fall, she was to 
be warned and given a chance of repentance. 

Joseph Smith Divinely Called. — It was riecessary, 
therefore, that one should be chosen and clothed with 
power from the Father to re-establish the Church of 
Jesus Christ on the earth.* 7 In choosing a representative 



b The erroneous idea which prevails in the world in relation 
to the Church, is set forth in Smith's Bible Dictionary, Article — 



24 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

to stand at the head of this "great and marvelous work, 
about to come forth unto the children of men," the 
Lord did not select one who was versed in the learning 
and traditions of the world. His ways are not the ways 
of man, neither are his thoughts like the thoughts of men. 
One taught in the learning of the world would have 
had too much to unlearn of the traditions and philosophy 
of men. In his great wisdom, the Lord chose an un- 
sophisticated child, — a boy fourteen years of age. Unto 
this youth the Lord revealed the fulness of the Gospel, 
which the world could not receive because of unbelief. 
Through years of heavenly guidance — for he was in- 
structed by messengers from the presence of the Lord — 
this young man, Joseph Smith, was prepared to direct 
the work of the restoration of the Gospel and the build- 
ing of the Kingdom of God. 

Church, Vol. 1, p. 458, as follows: "We have seen that according' 
to the scriptural view the Church is a holy kingdom, established 
by God on earth, of which Christ is the invisible King — it is a 
divinely organized body, the members of which are knit together 
amongst themselves, and joined to Christ their Head, by the Holy 
Spirit,, who dwells in and animates it; it is a spiritual but visible 
society of men united by constant succession to those who were 
personally united to the Apostles, holding the same faith that 
the Apostles held, administering the same sacraments, and like 
them forming separate, but only locally separate, assemblies, 
for the public worship of God. This is the Church according to the 
Divine intention. But as God permits men to mar the perfection 
of his designs in their behalf, and as men have both corrupted 
the doctrines and broken the unity of the Church, we must not 
expect to see the Church of Holy Scripture actually existing in 
its perfection on earth. It is not to be found, thus perfect, either 
in the collected fragments of Christendom, or still less in any one 
of these fragments; though it is possible that one of those frag- 
ments < more than another may approach the scriptural and Apos- 
tolic idea) which existed only until sin, heresy, and sdiism, foad 
time sufficiently to develop themselves to do their w©rk-"' ' 



CHAPTER 5 

THE ANCESTRY OF JOSEPH SMITH 
1638—1805 

Ancestry of Joseph Smith. — Joseph Smith was born 
in Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont, December 23, 1805. 
He was the third son and fourth child of Joseph and Lucy 
Mack Smith, who had a family of ten children. His par- 
ents were of sturdy New England stock, honest, godfear- 
ing, industrious, but poor in worldly substance. Joseph Smith 
bad descended on his paternal side from Robert Smith, who 
emigrated from England in the year 1638. There is no 
record to be found of the ancestry of Robert Smith, nor do 
we know at this time from what part of England he came, 
further than that he went in his early youth to Boston, 
Lincolnshire, and then to London, where he took ship for 
America. He landed in Boston, Massachusetts, and moved 
to that part of Rowley, in Essex County, which after- 
wards became the township of Boxford. Here, later, he 
purchased two hundred eight acres of land, a portion of 
which was in Topsfield township. He married Miss Mary 
French. They were the parents of ten children. Robert was 
known among his neighbors as a quiet, unassuming man, 
devoted to the welfare of the settlement. Through his in- 
dustry he was able to provide some comforts for his family, 
who were reared in the prevailing religious teachings of 
that day, but strictly in the knowledge of the scriptures. 

Patriotic Service of Samuel Smith. — Samuel, son of 
Robert and Mary, was born January 26, 1666. He married 
Rebecca, daughter of John Curtis, a prominent citizen of 
the town of Topsfield. After his father's death, Samuel 
moved to Topsfield, where he became an influential mem- 
ber of that community and' was honored by the citizens 
with several offices of trust. He was the father of nine 
children. His son Samuel, born January 26, 1714, was one 



26 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

i 

of the most prominent citizens of Topsfield. The greater 
part of his life was spent in the service of the people. He 
passed through the stormy days of the American Revolu- 
tion and bore arms in defense of the liberties of the people. 
Among the many positions he held are the following: — He 
was grand juryman in 1760; in 1770, road supervisor; in 
1779, 1780, 1783, 1784 and 1785, on the committee of 
safety; from 1771 to 1777 and in 1781 and 1782, assessor 
and selectman in Topsfield, declining the honor in 1783 ; 
he was moderator, in 1758-60, 1762, 1764, 1766-73, 1777- 
80, and 1782-83 ; representative to the General Court 
( House of Representatives) in 1764-70, 1772, 1777-78, and 
1781; town clerk in 1774, 1776 and 1777; delegate to the 
Provincial Congress at Concord, October 11, 1774 and 
again January 19, 1775, and on the tea committee, from 
Topsfield and acted as chairman, in 1773. 

He was known as Captain Samuel Smith, receiving his 
military title during service in the militia of Massachu- 
setts. He married Priscilla, daughter of Zacheus Gould of 
Topsfield. They had five children, two sons and three 
daughters. The mother died shortly after the birth of her 
youngest child, and Samuel married a cousin of his first 
wife who bore the same name. He died November 22, 1785, 
leaving an estate valued at more than 544 pounds sterling. 
The Salem Gazette of November 22, 1785, made mention of 
him in the following words: 

"Died. — At Topsfield, on Monday, the 14th instant, 
Samuel Smith, Esq. So amiable and worthy a character as 
he evidently appeared, both in public and private, will 
render the memory of him ever precious. For a number of 
years he represented the town in the General Court, where 
he was esteemed a man of integrity and uprightness. His 
usefulness among those with whom he was more immedi- 
ately conversant was eminent. He was a sincere friend to 
the liberties of his country, and a strenuous advocate for 
the doctrine of Christianity." 

"The memory of the Just be blessed." 



THE ANCESTRY OF JOSEPH SMITH 27 

Asael Smith Grandfather of Joseph Smith. — Asael 

Smith was the second son and youngest child of (2) Sam- 
uel. He was born in Topsfield, March 7, 1744. His mother 
died, as already noted, shortly after his birth. His early 
life was spent in Topsfield. February 12, 1767, he took 
to wife, Mary Duty, of Windham, New Hampshire, and 
later moved to that place. From there he went to Dun- 
barton and then to Derryfield, now the city of Manchester. 
During the Revolution he followed the example of 
his illustrious father and served with the Colonial forces. 





hi 








'jMLir 


1 


i 


;><.-; 









BIRTHPLACE OF JOSEPH SMITH, SEN. 

After the death of his father in 1785, he returned to Tops- 
field and made his home on the family estate. He lived in 
the old home, about one mile north of the town, where 
a number of his children were born, notably Joseph, father 
of the Prophet Joseph Smith. 

Asael was a man of very liberal views, far in advance 
of his time. Some of his children were members of the 
Congregational Church, but in his religious views he 
leaned towards the teachings of the Universalists. 
However, he held aloof from all sects, because he could 
not reconcile his understanding of the scriptures with 
their many conflicting creeds. He advocated the truth 



28 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

very strongly, that all men should have free and equal 
religious liberty. In his opinions he was frank and ex- 
plicit, expressing himself without fear of the prevailing 
opinions of his neighbors. He was somewhat gifted with 
the pen and wrote some worthy sentiments which have 
been preserved and are still in possession of members 
of the family. Many years before his death he wrote a 
charge to his family in which the advice given could be 
followed with great profit by parents and children even 
in our day. An excerpt from this document will give an 
insight into the character of this man and depict his re- 
markable faith in Jesus Christ : 

Advice of Asael Smith to His Family. — "And first to 
you, my dear wife," he wrote, "I do with all the 
strength and power that is in me, thank you for your 
kindness and faithfulness to me, beseeching God who is 
the husband of the widow, to take care of you and not 
to leave you nor forsake you, or suffer you to leave 
nor forsake him, nor his ways. Put your whole trust 
solely in him, he never did nor never will forsake any 
that trust in him. * * * And now my dear children, let 
me pour out my heart to you and speak first of immor- 
tality in your souls. Trifle not in this point; the soul 
is immortal; you have to deal with an infinite Majesty; 
you go upon life and death, therefore in this point be 
serious. Do all to God in a serious manner; when you 
think of him, speak of him, pray to him, or in any way 
make your addresses to his great Majesty, be in good 
earnest. Trifle not with his name or with his attributes, 
nor call him to witness to any thing but is absolute 
truth, nor then, but when sound reason or serious con- 
sideration requires it. And as to religion, *I would not 
wish to point out any particular way for you; but first 
I would wish you to search the scriptures and consult 
sound reason and see if they (which I take to be two 
witnesses that stand by the God of the whole earth) 
are not sufficient to evince to you that religion is a 
necessary theme * * * . 



THE ANCESTRY OF JOSEPH SMITH 29 

''For the public. — Bless God that you live in a land 
of liberty and bear yourselves dutifully and conscion- 
ably towards the authority under which you live. See 
God's providence in the appointment of the Federal 
Constitution and hold union and order precious jewels. " 

Prediction of Asael Smith. — In the spring of 1791 he 
moved from Topsfield to Tunbridge, Vermont, where 
he made his home for several years. As old age came on 
and his health became impaired he removed to Stock- 
holm, St. Lawrence County, New York, and made his 
home with his son Silas. Here he died, October 31, 1830, 
at the advanced age of more than 86 years. In stature 
he was tall, his body was well proportioned and pos- 
sessed of unusual strength. At times the spirit of in- 
spiration rested upon him. One one occasion he said: 
"It has been borne in upon my soul that one of my 
descendants will promulgate a work to revolutionize the 
world of religious faith." Perhaps he did not expect to 
live to see that day, but such proved to be the case. 
The first summer after the organization of the Church, 
his son Joseph and grandson Don Carlos Smith paid 
him a visit and presented him with a copy of the Book 
of Mormon. At the time he was in feeble health, but 
he diligently read the book, or most of it, and said he 
was convinced that the work of his grandson, Joseph 
Smith, was of divine origin. He was not baptized, due 
to his weakened physical condition, and died shortly 
after this visit. His wife, Mary Duty Smith, later moved 
to Kirtland where she died in 1836, firm in the faith 
of the restored Gospel. 

John Mack of Connecticut. — On his maternal side, 
Joseph Smith was descended from John Mack, who was 
born in Inverness, Scotland, March 6, 1653. John Mack 
came to America about 1669, and resided, first in Salis- 
bury, Massachusetts. He married Sarah, daughter of 
Orlando and Sarah Bagley, and moved to Lyme, Con- 
necticut, where eight or more of their twelve children 



30 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

were born. He was the founder of the Mack family of 
Connecticut. He died Feb. 24, 1721. 

Ebenezer, son of John Mack, was born in Lyme, 
Conn., Dec. 8, 1697. He was a man of thrift and was 
well respected by the people of Lyme, where he served 
for many years as minister of the Second Congregational 
Church. He married Hannah, daughter of Aaron Huntly, 
an honored citizen of Lyme. At one time Ebenezer Mack 
possessed considerable property and "lived in good style 
commanding all the attention and respect which are 
ever shown to those who live in fine circumstances, and 
habits of strict morality." Reverses came, however, and 
he was reduced, in his declining years, to poverty. He 
was the father of nine children. 

Maternal Grandparents of Joseph Smith. — Solomon, 
son of Ebenezer Mack, was born in Lyme, Conn., Sept. 
26, 1735. At the age of twenty-one years he enlisted in 
the services of his country under the command of Cap- 
tain Henry, and the regiment of Col. Whiting. He was 
engaged in the king's service with two teams carrying 
supplies to Fort Edwards. In 1748 he enlisted under 
Major Spenser and was engaged in several bloody en- 
gagements in which his life was spared miraculously. 
He served until the spring of 1759, when he received 
his honorable discharge at Crown Point. That same 
year he met a young school teacher, Lydia Gates, 
daughter of Nathan Gates, a wealthy citizen of East 
Haddam, Connecticut. The friendship of these young 
people ripened and they were married after a short 
acquaintance. In 1761 Solomon and his young wife moved 
to Marlow where they took up their residence in a 
wilderness. Only four other families resided within forty 
miles of them. It was while here he learned to fully 
appreciate the excellent virtues of his wife, "For," he 
wiites, "as our children were deprived of schools she 
assumed charge of their education, and performed the 



°"History of the Prophet Joseph," by Lucy Mack Smith 



THE ANCESTRY OF JOSEPH SMITH 31 

duties of instructoress as none, save a mother, is cap- 
able of. Precepts, accompanied with examples such as 
theirs, were calculated to make impressions on the minds 
of the young, never to be forgotten. She, besides in- 
structing them in the various branches of an ordinary 
education, was in the habit of calling them together 
both morning and evening, and teaching them to pray, 
meanwhile urging upon them the necessity of love to- 
wards each other as well as devotional feelings towards 
Him who made them." 

In this manner their children became confirmed in 
the virtues and were established in faith in their Re- 
deemer. 

Patriotic Service of Solomon Mack. — In 1776, Solo- 
mon Mack enlisted in the American army. For some 
time he served in the land forces and later was trans- 
ferred to the navy. With his two sons, Jason and Ste- 
phen, he was engaged in a privateering expedition com- 
manded by Captain Havens. In this service they oassed 
through some thrilling experiences, but escaped without 
great harm. His service in the war covered a period 
of about four years. After his discharge he went to Gil- 
sum, New Hampshire, to make his home. Owing to the 
rigorous campaigns through two wars, he became broken 
in health and suffered considerably in his declining 
years. His son Stephen moved to Vermont and later to 
Detroit, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits and 
was one of the founders of Detroit. During the war of 
1812 Stephen again entered the services of his country. 
He held the commission of a captain at the time of 
the siege of Detroit and was ordered by his superior 
officer to surrender, which he boldly refused to do. 
Breaking his sword across his knee he threw the parts 
into the lake and said he would not submit to such a 
disgraceful compromise while the blood of an American 
ran in his veins. 

Such is the character of the forebears of Joseph Smith 



CHAPTER 6 

BOYHOOD OF JOSEPH SMITH 
1805—1820 



The Birth of Joseph Smith, the Prophet.- -Joseph 

Smith, son of Asael, was born in Topsfield, July 12, 
1771. Near the close of the eighteenth century he was 
residing in Tunbridge, Vermont, where he owned a good 
farm and engaged in tilling the soil. It was here he 
met Lucy Mack, daughter of Solomon Mack, of Gilsum, 
who later became his wife. She was visiting in Tunbridge 
with her brother Stephen, who at that time was a resi- 
dent of Tunbridge. Joseph Smith, after his marriage, 
continued to reside in Tunbridge for about six years. 
In 1802 he rented his farm and moved to Randolph, to 
engage in the mercantile business. Later he sold his 
farm in Tunbridge and moved to Royalton, then to 

Sharon, Windsor County, 
where their son Joseph was 
born, Dec. 23, 1805. In 
1811 the Smith family 
moved from Vermont to 
Lebanon, New Hampshire, 
just over the border line, 
where they intended to set- 
tle down "and began to con- 
template, with joy and sat- 
isfaction" the prosperity 
which had attended their 
exertions. They were de- 
sirous, as most parents are, 
to provide comfortably for 
their children and give them 
the advantages of an educa- 
tion. Of this desire the 
josepii smith mother writes : 




THE ANCESTRY OF JOSEPH SMITH 33 

Early Struggles of the Smiths. — "As our children 
had, in a great measure, been debarred' from the privilege 
of schools, we began to make every arrangement to 
attend to this important duty. We established our second 
son, Hyrum, in an academy at Hanover; and the rest, 
that were of sufficient age, we were sending to a common 
school that was quite convenient; meanwhile myself and 
companion were doing all that our abilities would admit 
of for the future welfare and advantage of the family; 
and were greatly blessed in our labors." 

These desires, however, were rudely shattered, for 
an epidemic of typhus fever passed over the land and 
all the Smith children were sorely afflicted. The oldest 
daughter, Sophronia, lay for a long time nigh unto 
death, and was saved only by Divine providence in answer 
to prayer. Joseph recovered from the fever after an illness 
of two weeks, but was left suffering with extreme pain in 
his shoulder which was first treated as the result of a 
sprain, but later developments proved it to be from another 
cause. A bag of pus had formed which had to be lanced. 
The description of his suffering is very vividly told by 
his mother in the following words : 

Serious Affliction of Joseph Smith. — "As soon as the 
sore had discharged itself, the pain left it, and shot like 
lightning (using his own terms) down his side into the 
marrow of the bone of his leg, and soon became very 
severe. My poor boy, at this, was almost in despair, and 
he cried out, 'Oh, father, the pain is so severe, how can I 
bear it F 

"His leg soon began to swell, and he continued to 
suffer the greatest agony for the space of two weeks long- 
er. During this period I carried him much of the time in 
my arms in order to mitigate his suffering as much as 
possible; in consequence of which I was taken very ill my- 
self. The anxiety of mind that I experienced, together with 
physical over-exertion, was too much for my constitution, 
and my nature sank under it. 



ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



Tenderness of Hyrum Smith. — "Hyrum who was 

rather remarkable for his tenderness and sympathy, now 
desired that he might take my place, as he was a good, 
trusty boy we let him do so ; and, in order to make the 
task as easy for him as possible, we laid Joseph upon a 
low bed, and Hyrum sat beside him, almost day and night, 

for some considerable 
length of time, holding the 
affected part of his leg in 
his hands, and pressing it 
between them so that his 
afflicted brother might be 
enabled to endure the pain, 
which was so excruciating 
that he was scarcely able 
to bear it. 

Surgical Aid Sought. 
—"At the end of three 
weeks, we thought it ad- 
visable to send again for 
the surgeon. When he 
came, he made an incision 
of eight inches on the 
front side of the leg, be- 
tween the knee and ankle. 
This relieved the pain in 
a great measure, and the 
patient was quite comfort- 
able until the wound be- 
gan to heal, when the pain 
hyrum smith became as violent as ever. 

"The surgeon was call- 
ed again, and he this time enlarged the wound, cutting the 
leg even to the bone. It commenced healing the second 
time, and as soon as it began to heal, it also began to swell 
again, which swelling continued to rise till we deemed it 
wisdom to call a council of surgeons ; and when they met in 




THE ANCESTRY OF JOSEPH SMITH 



35 



consultation, they decided that amputation was the only 
remedy. 

A Council Held. — "Soon after coming to this conclu- 
sion, they rode up to the door, and were invited into a 
room, apart from the one in which Joseph lay. They being 
seated, I addressed them thus : 'Gentlemen, what can you 
do to save my boy's leg?' They answered, 'We can do 
nothing; we have cut it open to the bone, and find it so 
affected that we consider his leg incurable, and that am- 




BIRTH PLACE OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH 

putation is absolutely necessary in order to save his life.' 
"This was like a thunderbolt to me .1 appealed to the 
principal surgeon, saying, 'Dr. Stone, can you not make 
another trial? Can you not, by cutting around the bone, 
take out the diseased part, and perhaps that which is sound 
will heal over, and by this means you will save his leg? 
You will not, you must not, take off his leg until you try 
once more. I will not consent to let you enter his room 
until you make me this promise.' 



36 



ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



"After consulting a short time with each other, they 
agreed to do as I had requested, then went to see my suffer- 
ing son. One of the doctors, on approaching his bed, said, 
'My poor boy, we have come again.' 'Yes,' said Joseph, 'I 
see you have; but you have not come to take off my leg, 

7f- 73" 72' 7f 




O to zo j;o #* 5Y> 



73' 7Z° "V* 70' 

MAP OF NEW ENGLAND STATES 



THE ANCESTRY OF JOSEPH SMITH 37 

have you, sir?' 'No,' replied the surgeon, 'It is your mother's 
request that we make one more effort, and that is what 
we have now come for.' 

"The principal surgeon, after a moment's conversation, 
ordered cords to be brought to bind Joseph fast to the 
bedstead; but to this Joseph objected. The doctor, how- 
ever, insisted that he must be confined, upon which Joseph 
said very decidedly, 'No, doctor, I will not be bound, for 
I can bear the operation much better if I have my liberty.' 
'Then,' said Dr. Stone, 'will you drink some brandy? 1 

" 'No,' said Joseph, 'not one drop.' 

" 'Will you take some wine?' rejoined the doctor. 'You 
must take something, or you can never endure the severe 
operation to which you must be subjected.' 

" 'No,' exclamed Joseph, 'I will not touch one particle of 
liquor, neither will I be tied down ; but I will tell you what 
I will do — I will have my father sit on the bed and hold 
me in his arms, and then I will do whatever is necessary 
in order to have the bone taken out.' Looking at me, he 
said, 'Mother, I want you to leave the room, for I know 
you cannot bear to see me suffer so ; father can stand it, 
but you have carried me so much, and watched over me 
so long, you are almost worn out.' Then looking up into 
my face, his eyes swimming in tears, he continued, 'Now, 
mother, promise me that you will not stay, will you? The 
Lord will help me, and I shall get through with it.' 

"To this request I consented, and getting a number of 
folded sheets, and laying them under his leg, I retired, go- 
ing several hundred yards from the house in order to be 
out of hearing. 

The Operation. — "The surgeons commenced operat- 
ing by boring into the bone of his leg, first on one side of 
the bone where it was affected, then on the other side, 
after which they broke it off with a pair of forceps or 
pincers. They thus took away large pieces of the bone. 
When they broke off the first piece, Joseph screamed out 
so loudly, that I could not forbear running to him. On my 



38 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

entering the room, he cried out, 'Oh, mother, go back, go 
back; I do not want you to come in — I will try to tough 
it out, if you will go away.' * * * 

"I was immediately forced from the room, and de- 
tained until the operation was complete; but when the act 
was accomplished, Joseph put upon a clean bed, the room 
cleaned of every appearance of blood, and the instruments 
which were used in the operation removed, I was permitted 
again to enter. 

He is Healed. — "Joseph immediately commenced get- 
ting better, and from this onward continued to mend until 
he became strong and healthy. When he had so far re- 
covered as to be able to travel, he went with his uncle, 
Jesse Smith, to Salem, for the benefit of his health, hoping 
the sea breezes would be of service to him, and in this he 
was not disappointed." 

Removal to New York. — Continued sickness pur- 
sued the family for a year; this, together with three suc- 
cessive years of crop failure, placed the family in rather 
straitened circumstances. So discouraged did they become 
that the decision was reached to move to the milder climate 
and more fertile region of western New York, where there 
would be a better opportunity to retrieve their fortunes. 

As soon as arrangements could be made and obligations 
settled, Joseph Smith and family moved to Palmyra, New 
York, a distance of about three hundred miles from their 
home in New Hampshire. The members of the family 
now counseled together relative to the course they should 
adopt. It was finally decided to purchase about one hundred 
acres of land, situated about two miles south of Palmyra on 
the border of Manchester township. It should be remem- 
bered that western New York, at that time, was sparsely 
settled. Ohio, Michigan and Illinois were still largely in a 
state of wilderness, and beyond the great "Father of Wat- 
ers" lay a vast country scarcely known. More than ten 
years later Missouri was spoken of by the Lord to Joseph 



THE ANCESTRY OF JOSEPH SMITH 39 

Smith, in a revelation as being on the "borders of the 
Lamanites." a 

The Purchase of a Home. — At the time of the re- 
moval to Palmyra, two of the boys, Alvin and Hyrum, 
were able to be of material assistance in making their new 
home. With their father they set to work clearing the 
newly acquired land from a heavy growth of timber, a 
condition which generally prevailed in that country one 
hundred years ago. During the first year they cleared 
about thirty acres, — no small task in itself — besides en- 
gaging in a day's labor now and again, as opportunity af- 
forded, in order to raise means to meet their obligations. 
Thus, during the first year, they were able to meet most 
of their first payment on the land, which during that 
year was not in a condition to be farmed. The mother, 
through her untiring industry, took upon herself the task 
to provide the household necessities, which she did through 
the sale of hand-painted oil-cloth table covers, a work 
in which she was quite skilled, and in which she met with 
fair success. 

Removal to Manchester. — About four years after the 
arrival of the Smith family in Palmyra, they moved to 
the farm where they built a four-room log house, which 
was later increased by the addition of sleeping rooms on 
the rear. It was while living in this house that Joseph re- 
ceived his glorious visions. The building of a more com- 
modious home was contemplated under the direction of 
Alvin, the oldest son, who much desired to see his parents 
comfortably located. "I am going to have," he said, "a 
nice, pleasant room for father and mother to sit in, and 
everything arranged for their comfort, and they shall not 
work any more as they have done." This was indeed a 
noble thought and desire, for his parents had toiled and 
labored much in the midst of trials and tribulations that 
had reduced them to a state of poverty. 



tfDoc. and Cov. 54:$ 



40 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Death of Alvin Smith. — Alvin did not live to realize 
the blessing thus contemplated and to see the fulfilment 
of his dream. The frame of the new house was raised and 
the necessary material procured to complete the structure 
in the fall of 1824; but in November of that year Alvin 
was stricken. He died on the 19th day of that month in 
the twenty-seventh year of his age. He lived to know of the 
visitation of the Father and the Son, and of the coming 
of Moroni, and was convinced that these things were true. 
He died with a prayer on his lips for his younger brother 
Joseph, and admonished him to be true to the great work 
entrusted to his care. Alvin is spoken of as a "youth of 
singular goodness and disposition, kind and amiable." 

The Hand of Providence. — While hard to bear, the 
many misfortunes of the Smiths were all overruled by the 
providence of the Lord, for their good. Had they remained 
in Vermont, or New Hampshire, the purposes of the Lord 
could not as well have been accomplished. He had a great 
work for the youthful Joseph to perform, and it was nec- 
essary that the family should move to the field of his ac- 
tivities. Therefore, through the valley of tribulation they 
were led by the hand of the Lord to the place he had pre- 
pared for them. 



CHAPTER 7 

THE VISION 

1820 

Joseph Smith's Own Story. — Never has the story of 
the wonderful vision of the Father and the Son to Joseph 
Smith been told so effectively and clearly as by Joseph 
Smith, himself, as he has related it in complete simplicity. 
Therefore it is repeated here: 

"Some time in the second year after our removal to 
Manchester, there was in the place where we lived an un- 
usual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced 
with the Methodists, but soon became general among all 
the sects in that region of country. Indeed, the whole dis- 
trict of country seemed affected by it, and great multitudes 
united themselves to the different religious parties, which 
created no small stir and division amongst the people, some 
crying, 'Lo, here !' and others, 'Lo, there !' Some were con- 
tending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, 
and some for the Baptist. For notwithstanding the great 
love which the converts to these different faiths expressed 
at the time of their conversion, and the great zeal manifested 
by the respective clergy, who were active in getting up and 
promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling, in 
order to have everybody converted as they were pleased to 
call it, let them join what sect they pleased — yet when the. 
converts began to file off, some to one party and some to 
another, it was seen that the seemingly good feelings of both 
the priests and the converts were more pretended than real ; 
for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued; priest 
contending against priest, and convert against convert ; so 
that all their good feelings one for another, if they ever had 
any, were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest 
about opinions. 

"I was at this time in my fifteenth year. My father's 
family was proselyted to the Presbyterian faith, and four 



42 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

of them joined that church, namely — my mother Lucy; my 
brothers Hyrum and Samuel Harrison; and my sister 
Sophronia. 

A Time of Religious Excitement. — "During this time 
of great excitement, my mind was called up to serious re- 
flection and great uneasiness ; but though my feelings were 
deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all 
these parties, though I attended their several meetings as 
often as occasion would permit. In process of time my mind 
became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt 
some desire to be united with them; but so great were the 
confusion and strife among the different denominations, that 
it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so un- 
acquainted with men and things, to come to any certain 
conclusion who was right and who was wrong. My mind at 
times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great 
and incessant. The Presbyterians were most decided against 
the Baptists and Methodists, and used all the powers of 
either reason or sophistry to prove their errors, or, at least 
•to make the people think they were in error. On the other 
hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally 
zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and 
disprove all others. 

The Promise of James Tested. — "In the midst of this 
war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to my- 
self, What is to be done ? Who of all these parties are right ; 
or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be 
right, which is it, and how shall I know it? While I was 
laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the con- 
tests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading 
the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which 
reads: // any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that 
giveth to ail men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall 
be given him. 

"Never did any passage of scripture come with more 
power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. 
It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my 



THE VISION 



43 



heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any 
person needed wisdom from God, I did ; for how to act I did 
not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then 
had, I would never know ; for the teachers of religion of the 
different sects understood the same passages of scripture so 
differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the ques- 
tion by an appeal to the Bible. At length I came to the 
conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and con- 
fusion, or else I must do as 
James directs, that is, ask 
of God. I at length came 
to the determination to 'ask 
of God,' concluding that if 
he gave wisdom to them 
that lacked wisdom, and 
would give liberally and 
not upbraid, I might ven- 
ture. So, in accordance 
with this my determination 
to ask of God, I retired to 
the woods to make the at- 
tempt. It was on the morn- 
ing of a beautiful clear day, 
early in the spring of eight- 
een hundred and twenty. 
It was the first time in my 
life that I had made such THE sacred grove 

an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet 
made the attempt to pray vocally. 

The Vision. — "After I had retired to the place where 
I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, 
and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer 
up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, 
when immediately I was seized upon by some power which 
entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence 
over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. 




44 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me 
for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction. 

"But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to de- 
liver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized up- 
on me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink 
into despair and abandon myself to destruction — not to an 
imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being 
from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power 
as I had never before felt in any being — just at this mo- 
ment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over 
my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended 
gradually until it fell upon me. 

"It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered 
from the enemy which held me bound. When the light 
rested upon me I saw two personages, whose brightness and 
glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One 
of them spake unto me, calling me by name, and said, point- 
ing to the other — This is my beloved Son, hear Him! 

"My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know 
which of all the sects was right, that I might know which 
to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of my- 
self, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the personages 
who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was 
right — and which I should join. I was answered that I 
must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the 
personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were 
an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all 
corrupt ; that 'they draw near to me with their lips, but their 
hearts are far from me; they teach for doctrines the com- 
mandments of men, having a form of godliness but they deny 
the power thereof.' He again forbade me to join with any 
of them ; and many other things did he say unto me, which 
I cannot write at this time. When I came to myself again 
I found myself lying on my back, looking up into heaven. 

"When the light had departed, I had no strength; but 
soon recovering in some degree, I went home. And as I 
leaned up to the fireplace, mother enquired what the mat- 



THE VISION 45 

ter was. I replied, 'Never mind, all is well — I am well 
enough off.' I then said to my mother, 'I have learned for 
myself that Presbyterianism is not true.' 

Sectarian Opposition. — "It seems as though the ad- 
versary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that 
I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his 
kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness com- 
bine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that 
arose against me almost in my infancy? 

"Some few days after I had this vision, I happened to 
be in company with one of the Methodist preachers, who 
was very active in the before-mentioned religious excite- 
ment; and, conversing with him on the subject of religion, 
I took occasion to give him an account of the vision which 
I had had. I was greatly surprised at his behavior ; he treated 
my communication not only lightly, but with great con- 
tempt, saying it was all of the devil, that there were no 
such things as visions or revelations in these days; that all 
such things had ceased with the apostles, and that there 
would never be any more of them. 

"I soon found, however, that my telling the story had 
excited a great deal of prejudice against me among pro- 
fessors of religion, and was the cause of great persecution, 
which continued to increase; and though I was an obscure 
boy, only between fourteen and fifteen years of age, and 
my circumstances in life such as to make a boy of no conse- 
quence in the world, yet men of high standing would take 
notice sufficient to excite the public mind against me, and 
create a bitter persecution; and this was common among all 
the sects — all united to persecute me. 

Joseph Smith's Reflections. — "It caused me serious 
reflection then, and often has since, how very strange it was 
that an obscure boy, a little over fourteen years of age 
and one, too, who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining 
a scanty maintenance by his daily labor, should be thought 
a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention 
of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day, and 



46 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

in a manner to create in them a spirit of the most bitter 
persecution and reviling 1 . But strange or not, so it was, and 
it was often the cause of great sorrow to myself. How- 
ever, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. 
I have thought since, that I felt much like Paul, when he 
made his defense before King Agrippa, and related the ac- 
count of the vision he had when he saw a light and heard 
a voice ; but still there were but few who believed him ; some 
said he was dishonest, others said he was mad ; and he was 
ridiculed and reviled. But all this did not destroy the reality 
of his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and 
all the persecution under heaven could not make it other- 
wise ; and though they should persecute him unto death, yet 
he knew, and would know to his latest breath, that he had 
both seen a light and heard a voice speaking unto him, and 
all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise. 

"So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in 
the midst of that light I saw two personages, and they did 
in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and perse- 
cuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; 
and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speak- 
ing all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was 
led to say in my heart : Why persecute me for telling the 
truth? I have actually seen a vision, and who am I that 
I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make 
me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a 
vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I 
could not deny it, neither dared I do it, at least I knew that 
by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemna- 
tion. 

"I had now got my mind satisfied so far as the sectarian 
world was concerned; that it was not my duty to join with 
any of them, but to continue as I was until further directed. 
I had found the testimony of James to be true, that a man 
who lacked wisdom might ask of God, and obtain, and not 
be upbraided." 

Joseph Smith's Great Honor. — There is no account 



THE VISION 47 

in history or revelation extant, where ever before both the 
Father and the Son appeared in the presence of mortal man 
in glory. Most wonderful was the honor bestowed upon this 
unsophisticated boy. Great was his faith — so great that he 
was able, like the brother of Jared, to penetrate the veil 
and behold the glory of these holy Beings, whose glory 
rested upon him. Without this power overshadowing him, 
he could not have endured their presence, for their bright- 
ness was far greater than the brightness of the noonday 
sun. It was not, therefore, with the power of the natural 
eye that this great Vision was beheld, but by the aid of the 
eye of the spirit. The natural man, without the saving grace 
of the power of the Lord, could not behold his presence in 
this manner, for he would be consumed. Joseph Smith, 
through the power of the Lord, was able to behold the pres- 
ence of the Great Creator and his Glorified Son, for they 
deigned to honor him with their presence and converse with 
him. 

The Heavens No Longer Sealed. — No longer were 
the heavens as brass. No more would man be forced to 
stumble and grope in darkness. Salvation was made known 
and the glad tidings were to sound forth, as with the blast 
of a mighty trumpet, to the ends of the earth. Satan's reign 
was nearing its end, and the message of eternal peace was 
shortly to be proclaimed to every nation, and kindred, and 
tongue and people. 

The Vision Rejected by the World. — No wonder 
Joseph Smith rejoiced, he now possessed greater knowledge 
than all the professors and divines in all the world ! Naturally 
he desired that others should share his joy and partake of 
his wonderful information. He would proclaim it to them 
with gladness, surely they would be pleased to receive it 
and would rejoice with him ! But great disappointment 
awaited him, for with one accord his message was rejected. 
Only the members of his household would believe. He was 
treated with scorn by great men of learning, although he 
was but a boy. He 'was mocked and shamed. Instead of the 



48 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

spirit of love and gratefulness following him for revealing 
this glorious message of truth, it was the spirit of contempt 
and hatred with which he had to contend. In sorrow he 
learned to hold his peace and wait — wait for further light 
and inspiration which he had been promised. Though all 
the world should mock and former friends deride, he knew 
he had beheld the Vision. There was one Friend to whom 
he now could go and pour out his soul in humble hope of 
encouragement and succor. What did it matter though 
the whole world should laugh, if the Son of God would 
hearken to his humble pleadings? 

Not Strange that the Message Should be Rejected. 
— Yet, when we stop to reflect, it is not strange that this 
message of light and truth should be rejected by the world, 
for the Lord had said long years before, "Men love dark- 
ness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.'' As for 
the priests, was not their craft in danger? The message 
left with the youthful seer by the God of heaven was most 
drastic. It had been declared in language that could be 
clearly understood, that the creeds of men were not in accord 
with his Gospel. This was not a message to please the re- 
ligious teachers of the day. Moreover, the Vision had 
shattered the traditions of the times. The doctrines taught 
in the churches were emphatically contradicted and dis- 
proved. The world was teaching and believing that the 
canon of scripture was full; that there was not to be and 
could not be, more revelation; that the visitation of angels 
had ceased with the early Christian fathers, and such things 
as these had passed away forever. Again, the doctrine was 
taught that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost were incompre- 
hensible, without body, parts and passions. A revelation 
of the Father and the Son as separate persons, each with 
a body tangible and in the form of the body of man, was 
destructive of this doctrine, as revelation was of the doc- 
trine of the closed heavens. The world had held that perfec- 
tion in religion and the organization of the Church of Christ 
was not to be expected, but that men were led by their own 






THE VISION 49 



human reason to interpret the word of the Lord as set forth 
in the scriptures. 

A Bold Denunciation of False Doctrine. — A bold de- 
nunciation of all such false teachings and traditions, al- 
though told in confiding simplicity by a humble youth, four- 
teen years of age, was not likely to bring rejoicing and 
peace of mind to those who thus believed and loved their 
old traditions dearly. Nevertheless the story must be told ; 
for in the world were thousands of honest souls who were 
likewise praying that the light of the everlasting Gospel 
would be restored, and the message of salvation again be 
proclaimed as a witness before the end of unrighteousness 
should come. - i 



CHAPTER 8 

THE VISITATION OF MORONI 
1823-1827 

Life of Joseph Smith Between 182G-23.— "I contin- 
ued to pursue my common vocations in life until the twenty- 
first of September, one thousand eight hundred and twenty- 
three, all the time suffering severe persecution at the 
hands of all classes of men, both religious and irreligious, 
because I continued to affirm that I had seen a vision. 

"During the space of time which intervened between 
the time I had the vision and the year eighteen hundred and 
twenty-three — having been forbidden to join any of the re- 
ligious sects of the day, and being of very tender years, 
and persecuted by those who ought to have been my friends 
and to have treated me kindly, and if they supposed me to 
be deluded to have endeavored in a proper and affectionate 
manner to have reclaimed me, — I was left to all kinds of 
temptations; and, mingling with all kinds of society, I fre- 
quently fell into many foolish errors, and displayed the 
weakness of youth, and the foibles of human nature ; which, 
I am sorry to say, led me into divers temptations, offensive 
in the sight of God. In making this confession, no one 
need suppose me guilty of any great or malignant sins. A 
disposition to commit such was never in my nature. But I 
was guilty of levity, and sometimes associated with jovial 
company, etc., not consistent with that character which 
ought to be maintained by one who was called of God as 
I had been. But this will not seem very strange to any one 
who recollects my youth, and is acquainted with my native 
cheery temperament. 

"In consequence of these things, I often felt condemned 
for my weakness and imperfections ; when, on the evening 
of the above mentioned twenty-first of September, after I 
had retired to my bed for the night, I betook myself to 
prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness of 



THE VISITATION OF MORONl 51 

all my sins and follies, and also for a manifestation to me, 
that I might know of my state and standing before him ; for 
I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as 
I previously had one. 

The Appearing of Moroni. — "While I was thus in 
the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing 
in my room, which continued to increase until the room was 
lighter than at noon day, when immediately a personage ap- 
peared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not 
touch the floor. He had on a loose robe of most exquisite 
whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had 
ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be 
made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant. His 
hands were naked, and his arms also, a little above the 
wrists ; so, also, were his feet naked, as were his legs, a 
little above the ankles. His head and neck were also bare. 
I could discover that he had no other clothing on but this 
robe, as it was open, so that I could see into his bosom. 
Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole 
person was glorious beyond description, and his coun- 
tenance truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly 
light, but not so very bright as immediately around his per- 
son. When I first looked upon him, I was afraid; but the 
fear soon left me. 

The Book of Mormon Revealed. — "He called me by 
name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from 
the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni ; 
that God had a work for me to do ; and that my name should 
be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and 
tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of 
among all people. He said there was a book deposited, writ- 
ten upon gold plates, giving an account of the former in- 
habitants of this continent, and the source from whence they 
sprang. He also said that the fulness of the everlasting 
Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to 
the ancient inhabitants ; also, that there were two stones in 
silver bows — and these stones, fastened to a breast plate, 



52 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

constituted what is called the Urim and Thummim — de- 
posited with the plates ; and the possession and use of these 
stones were what constituted seers in ancient or former 
times ; and that God had prepared them for the purpose of 
translating the book. 

Moroni Quotes Ancient Prophets. — "After telling- me 
these things, he commenced quoting the prophecies of the 
Old Testament. He first quoted part of the third chapter 
of Malachi, and he quoted also the fourth or last chapter of 
the same prophecy, though with a little variation from the 
way it reads in our Bibles. Instead of quoting the first 
verse as it reads in our books, he quoted it thus : 

"For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven 
and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall burn 
as stubble; for they that come shall burn them, saith the 
Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor 
branch. 

"And again, he quoted the fifth verse thus: Behold, I 
mill reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah 
the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day 
of the Lord. 

"He also quoted the next verse differently : And he shall 
plant in the hearts of the children the promises rvtade to the 
fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their 
fathers; if it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly 
zmsted at its coming. 

"In addition to these, he quoted the eleventh chapter of 
Isaiah, saying that it was about to be fulfilled. He quoted 
also the third chapter of Acts, twenty-second and twenty- 
third verses, precisely as they stand in our New Testament. 
He said that that prophet was Christ ; but the day had not 
yet come when they who would not hear his voice should be 
cut off from among the people, but soon would come. He 
also quoted the second chapter of Joel, from the twenty- 
eighth verse to the last. He also said that this was not yet 
fulfilled, but was soon to be. And he further stated that 
the fulness of the Gentiles was soon to come in. He quoted 



THE VISITATION OF MORONI 53 

many other passages of scripture, and offered many ex- 
planations which cannot be mentioned here. 

Moroni's Admonition. — "Again, he told me, that 
when I got those plates of which he had spoken — for the 
time that they should be obtained was not yet fulfilled — I 
should not show them to any person; neither the breast- 
plate with the Urim and Thummim ; only to those to whom 
I should be commanded to show them ; if I did I should be 
destroyed. While he was conversing with me about the 
plates, the vision was opened to my mind that I could see the 
place where the plates were deposited, and that so clearly 
and distinctly that I knew the place again when I visited it. 

"After this communication, I saw the light in the room 
begin to gather immediately around the person of him who 
had been speaking to me, and it continued to do so, until the 
room was again left dark, except just around him, when in- 
stantly I saw, as it were, a conduit open right up into heaven, 
and he ascended till he entirely disappeared, and the room 
was left as it had been before this heavenly light had made 
its appearance. 

The Second Appearance of Moronic — "I lay musing 
on the singularity of the scene, and marveling greatly at 
what had been told to me by this extraordinary messenger; 
when, in the midst of my meditation, I suddenly discovered 
that my room was again beginning to get lighted, and in an 
instant, as it were, the same heavenly messenger was again 
by my bedside. 

"He commenced, and again related the very same things 
which he had done at his first visit, without the least varia- 
tion ; which having done, he informed me of great judgments 
which were coming upon the earth, with great desolations 
by famine, sword, and pestilence ; and that these grievous 
judgments would come on the earth in this generation. Hav- 
ing related these things, he again ascended as he had done 
before. 

The Third Appearance of Moroni. — "By this time, so 
deep were the impressions made on my mind, that sleep had 



54 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

fled from my eyes, and I lay overwhelmed in astonishment 
at what I had both seen and heard. But what was my sur- 
prise when again I beheld the same messenger at my bed- 
side, and heard him rehearse or repeat over again to me 
the same things as before ; and added a caution to me, telling 
me that Satan would try to tempt me (in consequence of 
the indigent circumstances of my father's family), to get 
the plates for the purpose of getting rich. This he forbade 
me, saying that I must have no other object in view in getting 
the plates but to glorify God, and must not be influenced 
by any other motive than that of building His kingdom; 
otherwise I could not get them. After this third visit, lie 
again ascended into heaven as before, and I was again left 
to ponder on the strangeness of what I had just experienced ; 
when almost immediately after the heavenly messenger had 
ascended from me the third time, the cock crowed, and I 
found that day was approaching, so that our interviews must 
have occupied the whole of that night. 

The Fourth Appearance of Moroni. — "I shortly after 
arose from my bed, and, as usual, went to the necessary la- 
bors of the day; but, in attempting to work as at other 
times, I found my strength so exhausted as to render me en- 
tirely unable. My father, who was laboring along with me, 
discovered something to be wrong with me, and told me to 
go home. I started with the intention of going to the house ; 
but, in attempting to cross the fence out of the field where 
we were, my strength entirely failed me, and I fell helpless 
on the ground, and for a time was quite unconscious of any- 
thing. The first thing that I can recollect was a voice speak- 
ing unto me, calling me /by name. I looked up, and beheld 
the same messenger standing over my head, surrounded by 
light as before. He then again related unto me all that he 
had related to me the previous night, and commanded me to 
go to my father and tell him of the vision and command- 
ments which I had received. I obeyed; I returned to my 
father in the field, and rehearsed the whole matter to him. 
He replied to me that it was of God, and told me to go and 



THE VISITATION OF MORONI 



55 



do as commanded by the messenger. I left the field, and 
went to the place where the messenger had told me the plates 
were deposited ; and owing to the distinctness of the vision 
which I had had concerning it, I knew the place the instant 
that I arrived there. 

The Hill Cumorah. — " Convenient to the village of 
Manchester, Ontario county, New York, stands a hill of 
considerable size, and the most elevated of any in the neigh- 
borhood. On the west side of this hill, not far from the 




HILL CUMORAH 



top, under a stone of considerable size, lay the plates, de- 
posited in a stone box. This stone was thick and rounding 
in the middle on the upper side, and thinner towards the 
edges, so that the middle part of it was visible above the 
ground, but the edge all around was covered with earth. 

"Having removed the earth, I obtained a lever, which I 
got fixed under the edge of the stone, and with a little exer- 
tion raised it up. I looked in, and there indeed did I behold 
the plates, the Urim and Thummim, and the breastplate, as 



56 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

stated by the messenger. The box in which they lay was 
formed by laying stones together in some kind of cement. 
In the bottom of the box were laid two stones crossways of 
the box, and on these stones lay the plates and the other 
things with them. 

"I made an attempt to take them out, but was forbidden 
by the messenger, and was again informed that the time for 
bringing them forth had not yet arrived, neither would it, 
until four years from that time ; but he told me that I should 
come to that place precisely in one year from that time, and 
that he would there meet with me, and that I should contin- 
ue to do so until the time should come for obtaining the 
plates. 

The Four Annual Visits to the Hill. — "Accordingly, 
as I had been commanded, I went at the end of each year, 
and at each time I found the same messenger there, and re- 
ceived instruction and intelligence from him at each of our 
interviews, respecting what the Lord was going to do, and 
how and in what manner His kingdom was to be conducted 
in the last days. 

"As my father's worldly circumstances were very limited, 
we were under the necessity of laboring with our hands, hir- 
ing out by day's work and otherwise, as we could get op- 
portunity. Sometimes we were at home and sometimes 
abroad, and by continued labor, were enabled to get a com- 
fortable maintenance." 

Temptation of Joseph Smith. — As Joseph Smith 
journeyed to the Hill Cumorah on that memorable first 
visit, he was beset by many conflicting emotions. His father's 
family was poor and in financial distress. Creditors had 
been bearing down heavily upon them. The adversary of all 
righteousness took advantage of these conditions to sorely 
tempt the youth with all his power. The plates of the book 
were made of gold and were of great intrinsic value. Could 
they not be used to relieve the financial embarrassment of 
the family? Or was there not some thing else deposited 
with the plates that might be used for such purpose? Such 



THE VISITATION OF MORONI 57 

were the thoughts Satan put into his heart as he approached 
the hill, and the admonition of the angel was temporarily 
forgotten. 

He had no difficulty in locating the spot where the rec- 
ords were hidden. It was the matter of but a moment to 
scrape away the grass and dirt and with a lever pry loose 
the stone which served as a covering to the box containing 
the sacred treasure. There before him, lying on two stones 
which were crosswise of the box, he beheld the record. With 
it were the Urim and Thummim, two transparent stones set 
in bows of silver and attached to the breastplate — all as the 
angel had described. He was enraptured. Putting forth his 
hand he attempted to remove the plates, but received a shock, 
which in a measure deprived him of his strength. After a 
moment's hesitation he made a second attempt, but received 
a greater shock than at first. The cause of this was unknown 
to him, for he had supposed that physical strength and exer- 
tion were all that were necessary for him to obtain the rec- 
ord. The third time he stretched forth his hand to take the 
plates and again received a shock with considerable violence, 
which sapped his strength and made him powerless. In his 



°The following description of Cumorah is from the pen of 
Olivery Cowdery : 

You are acquainted with the mail road from Palmyra, Wayne 
County, to Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York, and also, as 
you pass from the former to the latter place, before arriving* at 
the little village of Manchester, say from three to four, or about 
four miles from Palmyra, you pass a large hill on the east side 
of the road. Why I say large, is because it is as large, perhaps, as 
any in that country. To a person acquainted with this road a de- 
scription would be unnecessary, as it is the largest and rises the 
highest of any on that route. The north end rises quite sudden 
until it assumes a level with the more southerly extremity, and I 
think I may say an elevation higher than at the south a short 
distance, say half or three-fourths of a mile. As you pass toward 
Canandaigua it lessens gradually until the surface assumes its 
common level, or is broken by other smaller hills or ridges, water 
courses and ravines. I think I am justified in saying that this 
is the highest hill for some distance round, and I am certain that 
its appearance, as it rises so suddenly from a plain on the north, 
must attract the notice of the traveler as he passes by. — Messenger 
and Advocate, 1834. Page 158. 



58 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

great excitement and without meditation he exclaimed : 
"Why cannot I obtain the book?" "Because you have not 
kept the commandments of the Lord," answered a voice 
near by him. Looking up he was astonished to behold the 
heavenly messenger of his former visits. 

Powers of Good and Evil Shown. — In humble re- 
pentance he sought the Lord in prayer. His vision was 
opened and the glory of the Lord shone round about him, 
and he was made to feel the sweet influence of the power 
of righteousness. While he was beholding this vision the 
angel said, "Look!" Joseph beheld the prince of darkness 
surrounded by his innumerable train of associates in all their 
diabolical fury. As the visions of evil passed before him 
the angel said : "All this is shown, the good and the evil, the 
holy and impure, the glory of God and the power of dark- 
ness, that you may know hereafter the two powers 'and 
never be influenced or overcome by that wicked one. Be- 
hold, whatever entices and leads to good and to do good, is 
of God, and whatever does not is of that wicked one. It is 
he who fills the hearts of men with evil, to walk in darkness 
and blaspheme God ; and you may learn from henceforth, 
that his ways are to destruction ; but the way of holiness is 
peace and rest." & 

Joseph was further informed that the record had been 
deposited for the sake of the glory of the Lord, for they 
contained the fulness of the Gospel as it was given to the 
ancient inhabitants of this American continent, and was io 
be brought forth by the power of God; and moreover that 
the translation would go forth to the Gentiles, many of whom 
would believe — afterwards it should go to the house of 
Israel many of whom should also be brought into the Church 
of Christ. 

Value of the Prophet's Lesson. — The lesson taught 
to Joseph Smith on this occasion was one of lasting benefit 
to him. Henceforth he understood the power of the evil one 
and was prepared to resist temptation. Years afterwards, 



'See Improvement Era, Vol. 2, p. 807. 



THE VISITATION OF MORONI 59 

when speaking of this event he said, "Ever afterwards I was 
willing to keep the commandments of God." Had the lesson 
not been taught in this manner, at a later day he might 
have fallen into temptation when off his guard, with re- 
sults that would have brought disaster. 

The Interval of Four Years. — During the interval of 
four years, from 1823 to 1827, Joseph Smith was under the 
necessity of aiding his father's family in paying their debts 
and procuring a living. At times he found employment at 
home and at times abroad, as opportunity afforded. The 
death of his oldest brother Alvin, in 1824, made it all the 
more needful that he exert himself for the benefit of the 
family. In October, 1825, he entered the employ of an aged 
gentleman named Josiah Stowel. Mr. Stowel had heard 
of some old Spanish silver mines in Harmony, Pennsylvania, 
and employed his hired help in searching for the hidden 
treasure. Joseph, after about one month of fruitless search, 
persuaded this kindly gentleman to forsake the foolish ven- 
ture. From this employment came the cry that Joseph 
Smith, the "Mormon" Prophet, was a "money-digger." 

The Prophet's Marriage. — While residing in Har- 
mony andin the employment of Mr. Stowel, Joseph boarded 
at the home of Mr. Isaac Hale. It was here, and under these 
conditions, that he met Miss Emma Hale, daughter of Isaac 
Hale. The friendship of these young people ripened into 
love, and they were married about one year and three months 
later, January 18, 1827, by Squire Tarbill, in South Bain- 
bridge, New York. 



CHAPTER 9 

JOSEPH SMITH RECEIVES THE RECORD— 
THE PRIESTHOOD RESTORED 

1827—1829 

Joseph Receives the Record. — Each year, on the 
twenty-second day of September, between the years 1823 
and 1827, Joseph went to the Hill Cumorah, as the angei 
had instructed him, where he was taught in matters per- 
taining to his sacred duties. At last the time arrived for 
the delivery of the plates, the Urim and' Thummim, and the 
breastplate. It was the 22nd day of September, 1827. The 
Prophet went to the hill to keep the final appointment with 
Moroni, before the record should be given into his hands. 
Once more the angel instructed him in his duties and 
impressed upon his mind the great responsibility now to be 
placed upon him, saying : 

"Now you have got the record into your own hands, 
and you are but a man, therefore you will have to be 
watchful and faithful to your trust or you will be over- 
powered by wicked men ; for they will lay every plan 
and scheme that is possible to get it away from you, 
and if you do not take heed continually, they will suc- 
ceed. While it was in my hands, I could keep it, and no 
man had power to take it away, but now I give it up 
to you. Beware, and look well to your ways, and you 
shall have power to retain it. a 

Moreover, he was told, if he let the record go out of 
his hands or neglected his duty, he should be cut off, but 
through faithfulness and perseverance he should be pro- 
tected until the angel should come for the record and again 
take it into his keeping. 

Designs of the Wicked Frustrated. — Joseph soon 
found that the warning of the angel was all too true 



°"History of the Prophet Joseph," p. 106, Lucy Smith. 



JOSEPH RECEIVES THE RECORD 61 

concerning the powers of darkness being arrayed against 
him, and the desire of evil-disposed persons to destroy him 
and obtain the plates. Scarcely was the record in his pos- 
session before strenuous exertions were made by wicked 
persons to get them out of his hands. Every scheme and in- 
vention which the powers of darkness could devise, were 
used. Conjurors, diviners with peepstones and other means 
were employed. Mobs gathered and searched the premises 
of the Smith home, even breaking into the house and ran- 
sacking it. Under pretext of law searches were made. At 
times it became necessary to hide the record in strange 
places. Once they were hidden in a hollow log in the woods; 
again, under the hearthstone in the house, and under the 
floor in a nearby shop. When the Prophet departed for 
Pennsylvania he hid them in a barrel of beans, and when 
a search was made they were not discovered. The Lord 
was with him in his labor and the powers of darkness were 
overcome and of no avail. 

Martin Harris. — So intense and bitter became the 
opposition in Manchester that the Prophet sought a place 
of refuge in another locality. Having received an invitation 
from his wife's parents to come to their home in Harmony, 
Pennsylvania, he accepted the invitation and prepared to 
go. Being very poor he experienced some difficulty in pro- 
curing the necessary means to meet his obligations and make 
the journey. In this hour of distress, and in the midst of 
persecution, he found a friend in Martin Harris, of Palmyra, 
New York. Joseph, with his wife's brother, Alva Hale, had 
gone to Palmyra to transact some business, and" while there 
he was approached by Martin Harris, who said to him : 
"How do you do, Mr. Smith? Here are fifty dollars. I 
give this to you to do the Lord's work with ; no, I give 
it to the Lord for His own work." Joseph offered to take 
the money and give his note which Alva Hale also agreed 
to sign, but Martin Harris refused to take the note. This 
money enabled the Prophet to make the journey to Har- 
mony where he found a haven of rest. 



62 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Removal to Pennsylvania. — Shortly after this event 
Joseph moved to Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsyl- 
vania, to the home of Isaac Hale. Later he purchased from 
Mr. Hale a small farm, to which he removed. Here in 
comparative peace he commenced to make a copy of the 
characters on the plates, which consisted of the learning of 
the Jews and the language, in hieroglyphics, of the Egyp- 
tians. He also, by Urim and Thummim, made a translation 
of some of them. This was done between December, 1827, 
and the February following. In the month of February, 
1828, Martin Harris came to Harmony to visit with Joseph 
Smith. He had been much impressed with the Prophet's 
story and desired to know more concerning the work. 

The Prophecy of Isaiah Fulfilled. — Martin Harris 
took the transcript that had been made together with the 
partial translation, and departed for New York. Just what 
his object was, and what he had in mind, is not made 
clear. That he was led to do so by inspiration was later 
shown. He first submitted the characters to Professor 
Charles Anthon of Columbia College with the request that 
he examine them. He then took them to Dr. Samuel L. 
Mitchell, also of New York. When Martin returned he 
made the following report: 

"I went to the city of New York, and presented the 
characters which had been translated, with the trans- 
lation thereof, to Professor Charles Anthon, a gentleman 
celebrated for his literary attainments. Professor An- 
thon stated that the translation was correct, more so 
than any he had before seen translated from the Egyp- 
tian. I then showed him those which were not yet trans- 
lated, and he said that they were Egyptian, Chaldaic, 
Assyrian and Arabic; and he said they were true charac- 
ters. He gave me a certificate, certifying to the people 
of Palmyra that they were true characters, and that 
the translation of such of them as had been translated 
was also correct. I took the certificate and put it into 
my pocket, and was just leaving the house when Mr. 
Anthon called me back, and asked me how the young 



JOSEPH RECEIVES THE RECORD 



63 



man found out that there were gold plates in the place 
where he found them. I answered that an angel of God 
had revealed it unto him. 

"He then said to me, 'Let me see that certificate.' I 
accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to 
him, when he took it and tore it to pieces, saying, that 
there was no such thing now as ministering of angels, 
and that if I would bring the plates to him, he would 
translate them. I informed him that part of the plates 






Hi h 

53 f inn 'J* 



CIRCULAR DEPICTING CHARACTERS FROM THE PLATES 



64 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

were sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. 
He replied, 'I cannot read a sealed book.' I left him 
and went to Mr. Mitchell, who sanctioned what Pro- 
fessor Anthon had said respecting both the characters 
and the translation." 

A number of years later, when he discovered the use 
to which his testimony had been given, Professor Anthon 
denied the statement of Martin Harris, although he did 
confess that such a person called to see him with such 
characters, but he treated it as a hoax. There may be some 
slight errors in the account of Martin Harris, but in the 
main his story must be true for it is the fulfilment of an 
ancient prophecy of Isaiah b almost word for word. It is 
not likely that Martin Harris was familiar with the proph- 
ecy of Isaiah at that time and without question Professor 
Anthon had no intention of fulfilling prophecy in making 
his answer, but nevertheless such proved to be the case. 

The Lost Manuscript. — The impression made on the 
mind of Martin Harris by this interview resulted in his 
removal to Harmony to give further aid to Joseph Smith. 
He arrived about the 12th of April, 1828, and immediately 
.commenced to write as the Prophet dictated his transla- 
tion of the record. Martin continued in this work until the 
1 4th of June, at which time one hundred and sixteen pages of 
manuscript on foolscap paper had been prepared. Some time 

^Isaiah's prophecy is as follows: "And the vision of all is be- 
come unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men 
deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee : and 
he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is delivered 
to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee : and 
he saith, I am not learned. Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch 
as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their 
lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and 
their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men : There- 
fore behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this 
people, even a marvelous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of 
their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent 
men shall be hid." (Isa. 29:11-14). 

For a discussion of this point see the "History of the Mormon 
Church," by B. H. Roberts, chapter 8. Also "Orson Pratt's Works." 
Chapter 6, and the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi, 27th chapter. 



JOSEPH RECEIVES THE RECORD 65 

after Martin Harris commenced to write he importuned 
the Prophet for the privilege of taking the manuscript home 
and showing it to some skeptical friends, who had sorely 
criticized him for the part he was taking in the work. He 
was desirous of convincing them; and they had, without 
doubt, pleaded with him to do this thing. Especially had his 
wife implored him for a look at the manuscript. 

The Prophet inquired by Urim and Thummim, and the 
request of Martin was denied. However he was not satis- 
fied and importuned and pleaded with Joseph again to in- 
quire of the Lord. This he did, but the answer was the 
same as before. Still Martin implored, and so insistent and 
prolonged were his pleadings that Joseph Smith again, the 
third time, inquired of the Lord. This time the answer 
was favorable. The request was granted on certain positive 
conditions. Martin was to show the manuscript to his 
brother, Preserved Harris, his wife, his father and mother 
and his wife's sister, Mrs. Cobb. No other person was to 
see the writings. In a most solemn covenant Martin bound 
himself to this agreement. When he arrived home, and 
pressure was brought to bear upon him, he forgot his sol- 
emn oath and permitted others to view the manuscript, with 
the result that by strategem it passed out of his hands. 

The Lord was displeased with Joseph Smith for his 
constant importuning, and took from him the Urim and 
Thummim after the departure of Martin Harris with the 
partial translation from the plates. When the fact was 
known that Martin had lost the manuscript, the Prophet 
suffered the torments of the damned. He found no rest ; 
there was no peace of conscience. In the bitterness of his 
soul he feared to approach the Lord. This condition con- 
tinued for some time until one day the angel appeared to 
him, and returned the Urim and Thummim, that he might 
through them receive a revelation from the Lord. (Doc. and 
Cov. Sec. 3.) In this revelation it was made known that the 
purposes of the Lord were not frustrated, but the designs 
of men. Joseph was soundly rebuked and warned against 

6 



66 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

yielding to temptation. Nevertheless the mercy of the Lord 
was extended to him because of his severe punishment and 
sore repentance. After the revelation was received, both 
the Urim and Thummim and the plates were taken from 
him, but in a few days were restored again. This was the 
most bitter lesson Joseph Smith ever received. It seemed 
necessary to prepare him for the great responsibilities yet 
before him. 

A few days later Joseph received another revelation 
(Doc. and Cov. Sec. 10) in which he was forbidden again 
to translate the portion of the record which had been lost. 
Satan had put it into the hearts of wicked men, the revela- 
tion declared, to alter the writing of the manuscript and 
then, if Joseph Smith should translate again, they would 
say that he could not do it twice alike, and thus they would 
catch him in his words which he had pretended to trans- 
late. 

What the Lost Record Contained. — The lost manu- 
script contained the abridgment made by Mormon of the 
record of Nephi, from the time Lehi left Jerusalem down 
to the reign of King Benjamin, or to the words of Mor- 
mon, in the Book of Mormon. When Mormon made his 
abridgment of the records of the Nephites, the Lord di- 
rected him to attach also the small plates of Nephi, which 
contained the record of the people covering the same period 
of time as the abridgment down to the reign of King Ben- 
jamin. In this manner there were two accounts of that 
history, the abridgment and the original. Now the trans- 
lation of the abridgment was lost; but the better account 
could still be translated, and the designs of Satan be de- 
feated. Thus the "wise purpose"' of the Lord, in directing 
Mormon to include Nephi's plates, was made known to 
Joseph Smith. 

The Coming of Oliver Cowdery. — Martin Harris was 
never permitted to act as scribe again. For a time the 
Prophet was without assistance. For several months he was 
under the necessity of "laboring with his hands" on his 



JOSEPH RECEIVES THE RECORD 67 

small farm in Harmony and otherwise seeking employment. 
The work of the Lord was lagging. He must be about his 
mission. He prayed to the Lord for help. On the 6th of 
April, 1829, a young school teacher, Oliver Cowdery, came 
to Harmony to inquire of Joseph Smith regarding his work. 
Oliver Cowdery had been teaching school near the home 
of the Smiths in Manchester, and part of the time boarded 
with that family. From them he learned of the Prophet's 
vision, the coming of Moroni, and of the plates. He had 
a feeling that these stories were true and desired to inves- 
tigate at close quarters. He was convinced of the truth of 
Joseph's story, and two days after his arrival in Harmony 
commenced to write as the Prophet translated from the 
record. Later in the month of April the Lord gave to 
Oliver a revelation through Joseph Smith in which he was 
called to the work. In that revelation things were revealed 
that only Oliver Cowdery knew. From that time forth he 
continued to act as the amanuensis for Joseph Smith, until 
the Book of Mormon was finished. 

Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood. — While trans- 
lating, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery discovered that 
the question of baptism for the remission of sins was men- 
tioned several times in the record. This caused them to 
marvel, for the doctrine of baptism was misunderstood in 
the world. They concluded to inquire of the Lord for light. 
On the 15th day of May, 1829, they retired to the woods 
and prayed for instruction on this question. While thus 
engaged in prayer a heavenly messenger descended in a 
cloud of light and said that he was John, known as John 
the Baptist in the New Testament. He said he acted under 
the direction of Peter, James and John, who held the keys 
of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and had been sent to confer 
on Joseph and Oliver the Aaronic Priesthood, which holds 
the keys of the temporal Gospel. He laid his hands upon 
their heads and said: 

"Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Mes- 
siah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds 



68 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the Gospel 
of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the re- 
mission of sins ; and this shall never be taken again from 
the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an of- 
fering unto the Lord in righteousness." 

He stated that the Melchizedek Priesthood would soon 
be conferred upon them and that Joseph Smith should be 
called the first and Oliver Cowdery the second elder of the 
Church. 

Joseph and Oliver Baptized. — This messenger, after 
conferring the Priesthood, instructed Joseph and Oliver to 
go down into the water and baptize each other. After which 
they were to lay hands upon each other and re-confer the 
Priesthood which he had bestowed upon them. There are 
two reasons why they should be commanded to do this 
thing. First, to confer the Priesthood before baptism, is 
contrary to the order of the Organized Church, therefore 
they were commanded to confer the Priesthood upon each 
other in the regular way, after they were baptized. Second, 
the angel did for them that which they could not do for 
themselves. There was no one living in mortality who held 
the keys of this Priesthood, therefore it was necessary that 
this messenger, who held the keys of the Aaronic Priest- 
hood in the Dispensation of the Meridian of Time, should 
be sent to confer this power. It is contrary to the order of 
heaven for those who have passed beyond the veil to of- 
ficiate and labor for the living on the earth, only wherein 
mortal man cannot act, and thereby it becomes necessary 
for those who have passed through the resurrection to act 
for them. Otherwise John would have followed the regular 
order, which is practiced in the Church, and would have 
first baptized Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and then 
conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood. 

As the angel had commanded them, they repaired to 
the water where Joseph first baptized Oliver and then Oli- 
ver baptized Joseph. Immediately after coming out of the 
water they experienced great and glorious blessings, and 
being filled with the Holy Spirit, began to prophesy of 



JOSEPH RECEIVES THE RECORD 



69 



the coming forth of the Church and the establishment of 
the great work of the Lord in the latter days. Their minds 
were now enlightened and the scriptures were opened to 
their understandings. For the first time in many centuries 
there now stood on the earth men with power to officiate 
in baptism for the remission of sin. 

The fear of opposition compelled them to keep secret 
the matter of their ordination and baptism, except where 
they revealed it to a few personal friends, whom they 
could trust. 

Restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood. — In 
course of time, and very shortly after the coming of John 
the Baptist, Joseph and Oliver received the Melchizedek 
Priesthood from Peter, James and John. The date when 
this Priesthood was conferred is unknown, but it was only 
a few days after the first ordination. In a revelation given 
in 1842 (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 128) we are informed that it 
was between Harmony, Pennsylvania, and Colesville, New 
York, on the Susquehanna River, where it was conferred 



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70 ESSENTIALS IN CH URCH HISTORY 

In another revelation given in September 1830, we are in- 
formed that the restoration was under the hands of Peter, 
James and John, "whom I have sent unto you, by whom 
I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and 
special witnesses of my name" (Doc. & Cov. Sec. 27). 

Help from Joseph Knight. — While the work of trans- 
lating was going on the Lord sent a friend in time of 
need to give material assistance to Joseph Smith and Oliver 
Cowdery. This was Joseph Knight, Sen., of Colesville, 
Broome County, New York. Having heard of the manner 
in which Joseph and Oliver were occupying their time, Mr. 
Knight brought them provisions from time to time, a dis- 
tance of some thirty miles, and thus enabled them to con- 
tinue their labor without interruption, which otherwise 
would have delayed the work. 

Joseph and Oliver Remove to Fayette. — It was not 
destined that the work of translation should go on in Har- 
mony without interruption. Opposition finally made itself 
manifest and became so strong that even Isaac Hale — a 
man who believed in justice, law and order, but who did 
not express much faith in the mission of Joseph Smith — 
became somewhat bitter in his feelings. The necessity of a 
change of residence was apparent. Oliver Cowdery wrote to 
a young friend, David Whitmer of Fayette, New York, with 
whom he had previously corresponded regarding the com- 
ing forth of the Book of Mormon, desiring that he would 
come and take Joseph and himself to the Whitmer home 
in Fayette. This David Whitmer consented to do, and the 
removal was made in June, 1829. 

When David was on the journey to Harmony on this 
mission, he was met some distance from the town of Har- 
mony by Joseph and Oliver. In referring to this circum- 
stance some years later, David Whitmer wrote: "Oliver 
told me that Joseph had informed him when I started from 
home, where I stopped the first night, how I read the sign 
at the tavern, where I stopped the next night, etc., and that 
4 would be there that day for dinner, and this is why they 



' JOSEPH RECEIVES THE RECORD 71 

had come out to meet me. All of which was exactly as 
Joseph had told Oliver, at which I was greatly astonished" 
{Millennial Star, Vol. 40 pp. 769-774). 

At the Whitmer Home. — When they arrived in Fay- 
ette ,they found Mr. Peter Whitmer, father of David, 
ready to receive them and anxious to know more concern- 
ing the work, Joseph and. Oliver received their board 
free at the Whitmer home, and other timely assistance was 
also given them by members of the Whitmer family. David, 
John and Peter Whitmer, Jr., became very zealous in the 
work. The Lord spoke to each of them by revelation, call- 
ing them to cry repentance to their generation. The people 
of Seneca County, in which Fayette was situated, were 
friendly, and many houses were opened by those desiring 
to know more of the Prophet's message. Many were con- 
vinced and showed a willingness to obey the Gospel. Hyrum 
Smith, who had come to Fayette, David Whitmer and Peter 
Whitmer, Jr., were baptized, the first by the Prophet and 
the others by Oliver Cowdery. Samuel H. Smith, younger 
brother of the Prophet, had been baptized while the Prophet 
and Oliver were in Harmony, Pennsylvania. He was the 
third person baptized in this dispensation, receiving the re- 
mission of his sins on the twenty-fifth day of May, 1829, 
just ten days after the appearing of John the Baptist ; Oliver 
Cowdery baptizing him. Samuel had accompanied Oliver 
from Manchester to Harmony early in April when Oliver 
came to inquire concerning the Prophet and the record 
he claimed to have, and remained with his brother Joseph 
during the spring. Samuel Smith had not taken to the 
Prophet's story as readily as other members of the family, 
and was rather hard to convince that Joseph and Oliver 
had been ordained and baptized. After much inquiry and 
explanation by Joseph and Oliver, Samuel retired alone to 
the woods, and in secret prayer obtained a revelation for 
himself. Now convinced, he was anxious to be baptized 
and to engage in the work of establishing "the cause of 
Zion," 



CHAPTER 10 

THE WITNESSES OF THE BOOK OF MORMON 
1829—1830 

The Witnesses Called. — In due time, in June 1829, 
the Book of Mormon translation was finished. Three special 
witnesses must now be chosen who should behold the plates 
through divine favor and bear record to the world. This 
was according to the predictions of the ancient prophets 
who had kept the records of the Nephites. Nephi, son of 
Lehi, had prophesied: "Wherefore at that day when the 
book shall be delivered unto the man of whom I have 
spoken, the book shall be hid from the eyes of the world, 
that the eyes of none shall behold it save it be that three 
witnesses shall behold it, by the power of God, besides him 
to whom the book shall be delivered ; and they shall testify 
to the truth of the book and the things therein. And there 
is none .other which shall view it, save it be a few according 
to the will of God, to bear testimony of his word unto the 
children of men ; for the Lord God hath said that the words 
of the faithful should speak as if it were from the dead." a 

In a revelation given at the request of Martin Harris, 
after his repentance, in March, 1829 (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 5), 
this statement is reiterated, and Martin was told he might be 
granted this great privilege of being one of the witnesses, 
if he would humble himself sufficiently and overcome his 
pride in mighty prayer and sincerity of heart, and acknowl- 
edge the things he had done which were wrong. It was 
natural for Oliver Cowdery, the Prophet's scribe, and David 
Whitmer, to desire to be the two other witnesses of the 
special three. 

When the translation was finished Joseph wrote to his 
parents requesting them to come to him. This information 
they conveyed to Martin Harris at Palmyra, who desired to 



'2 Nephi 27:12-13. Ether 5:2-4. Compare John 8:16-18, 



WITNESSES OF THE BOOK OF MORMON 7: 




OLIVER COWDERY 



accompany them. The next 
day after the word was re- 
ceived they started on the 
journey. The evening of 
their arrival at the Whitmer 
home was spent in reading 
the manuscript of the Book 
of Mormon, which caused 
them all to rejoice exceed- 
ingly.* They had not pre- 
viously realized the magni- 
tude of the work of trans- 
lation, nor had they receiv- 
ed a clear understanding of 
what the book contained. 

When the time arrived 
for the manifestation of the 
power of the Lord to the 
witnesses, as was the cus- 
tom, early in the morning the little group at the Whitmer 
home engaged in singing and prayer. At the close of these 
services Joseph Smith arose and approaching Martin Harris 
said: "Martin Harris, you have got to humble yourself be- 
fore God this day, that you may obtain a forgiveness of your 
sins. If you do, it is the will of God that you should look 
upon the plates, in company with Oliver Cowdery and David 
Whitmer." Lucy Smith, the Prophet's mother, who was 
present, says this was spoken, "with a solemnity that thrills 
through and through my veins to this day, when it occurs to 
my recollection." 

These three men earnestly sought for the privilege of be- 
ing the special witnesses, Joseph laid the matter before the 
Lord and received a revelation by Urim and Thummim 
granting their petition. The revelation is as follows : 

Revelation to the Witnesses. — "Behold, I say unto 
you, that you must rely upon my word, which if you do, 
with full purpose of heart, you shall have a view of the 



74 



ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



plates, and also of the preastplate, the sword of Laban, 
the Urim and Thummim, which were given to the 
brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with 
the Lord face to face, and the miraculous directors 
which were given to Lehi Avhile in the wilderness, on the 
borders of the Red Sea ; 

"And it is by your faith that you shall obtain a 
view of them, even by that faith which was had by the 
prophets of old. 

"And after that you have obtained faith, and have 
seen them with your eyes, you shall testify of them, by 
the power of God; 

"And this you shall do 
that my servant Joseph 
Smith, Jr., may not be de- 
stroyed, that I may bring 
about my righteous pur- 
poses unto the children of 
men in this work. 

"And ye shall testify 
that you have seen them, 
even as my servant Joseph 
Smith, Jr., has seen them, 
for it is by my power that 
he has seen them, and it is 
because he had faith; 

"And he has translated 

the book, even that part 

which I have commanded 

him, and as your Lord and 

your God liveth it is true. 

"Wherefore you have 

received the same power and the same faith, and the same 

gift like unto him ; 

"And if you do these last commandments of mine, 
which I have given you, the gates of hell shall not pre- 
vail against you; for my grace is sufficient for you, and 
you shall be lifted up at the last day. 

"And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have 
spoken it unto you, that I might bring about my right- 




DAVID WHITMER 



WITNESSES OF THE BOOK OF MORMON 75 



eous purposes unto the children of men. Amen" (Doc. and 
Gov. Sec. 17). 

The Witnesses Behold the Plates. — A short time af- 
ter this revelation was given these four, Joseph Smith, 
Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris, re- 
tired to the woods and engaged in humble prayer. They 
asked the Lord to bestow upon them the blessing of the 
promise. Each prayed in turn, according to previous agree- 
ment. Joseph prayed first and after each had prayed and 
no answer of divine favor was obtained, they again ob- 
served the same order of prayer, but without result. Feel- 
ing it was because of his transgressions that no answer was 
received, Martin Harris suggested that he would withdraw 
from the others. After consultation this was agreed to, and 
Martin withdrew. Again the three knelt in prayer. Pres- 
ently they beheld above them a light of great brilliancy, and 
an angel descended and stood before them. In his hand he 
held the plates, and before them were the other records and 
sacred things spoken of in the revelation. The angel took 
the golden book and turn- 
ing leaf by leaf exhibited to 
the witnesses the engrav- 
ings thereon. He then turn- 
ed to David Whitmer and 
said, "David, blessed is the 
Lord, and he that keeps 
his commandments. " Im- 
mediately after this they 
heard a voice in the bright 
light which shone above 
them, saying : "These plates 
have been revealed by the 
power of God, and they 
have been translated by the 
power of God. The trans- 
lation of them which you 
have seen is correct, and I martin Harris 




76 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

command you to bear record of what you now see and hear." 
Joseph Smith now left Oliver and David and went in 
search of Martin Harris. He found him at a considerable 
distance fervently petitioning the Lord in prayer. With 
earnestness he pleaded with Joseph to join him that he too 
might be blessed with a vision of the plates. Joseph readily 
consented, and before they had prayed very long the same 
vision burst upon their presence and they beheld the same 
messenger. The angel again turned the leaves one by one 
and the same scene was re-enacted. Martin Harris was over- 
joyed and cried out : " 'Tis enough ; 'tis enough ; mine eyes 
have beheld ; mine eyes have beheld !" Jumping up he 
shouted hosannah and praised the Lord. 

When they returned from this interview it was between 
three and four o'clock in the afternoon. The incident is re- 
lated by the Prophet's mother in the following words : 

"On coming in, Joseph threw himself down beside 
me, and exlcaimed, 'Father, mother, you do not know 
how happy I am : the Lord has now caused the plates 
to be shown to three more besides myself. They have 
seen an angel, who has testified to them, and they will 
have to bear witness to the truth of what I have said, 
for now they know for themselves, that I do not go 
about to deceive the people, and I feel as if I was re- 
lieved of a burden which was almost too heavy for me 
to bear; and it rejoices my soul, that I am not any 
longer to be entirely alone in the world. Upon this, 
Martin Harris came in ; he seemed almost overcome with 
joy, and testified boldly to what he had both seen and 
heard. And so did David and Oliver, adding, that no 
tongue could express the joy of their hearts, and the 
greatness of the things which they had both seen and 
heard."* 

Testimony of the Three Witnesses. — In accord with 
the instructions they received in the revelation and by direct 
command from the voice of the Lord when they viewed the 
plates, the three witnesses gave to the world their united 



^"History of the Prophet Joseph," p. 139, Lucy Smith 



WITNESSES OF THE BOOK OF MORMON 77 

testimony in writing. This testimony, together with the testi- 
mony of eight other witnesses who also beheld the plates, 
has been published in every copy of the Book of Mormon as 
a witness to the unbelieving world. Their testimony is as 
follows : 

"Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and 
people, unto whom this work shall come : That we, through 
the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, 
have seen the plates which contain this record, which is the 
record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, 
their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came 
from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also 
know that they have been translated by the gift and power 
of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore 
we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also 
testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the 
plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of 
God, and not of man. And we declare with words of sober- 
ness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he 
brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the 
plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is 
by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, 
that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. 
And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of 
the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; 
wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, 
we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we 
are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood 
of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment seat 
of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. 
And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the 
Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen. 

Oliver Cowdery, 
David Whitmer, 
Martin Harris." 

Testimony of the Eight Witnesses. — In addition to 
the testimony of the three witnesses, eight other witnesses 
were called to view the plates and to give testimony to the 
world, and became the "few according to the will of God, 



78 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

to bear testimony of his word unto the children of men." 
These eight men did not obtain the same privilege as the 
three special witnesses, for it was not in the presence of an 
angel that they beheld the record, but they were shown the 
plates by Joseph Smith by command of the Lord. Their 
testimony is as follows : 

"Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and 
people, unto whom this work shall come: That Joseph 
Smith, Jun., the translator of this work, has shown unto 
us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the 
appearance of gold ; and as many of the leaves as the said 
Smith has translated we did handle with our hands ; and we 
also saw the engravings thereon, all of which has the appear- 
ance of ancient work, and of curious workmanship. And this 
we bear record with words of soberness, that the said Smith 
lias shown unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and know of 
a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we 
have spoken. And we give our names unto the world, to 
witness unto the world that which we have seen. And we lie 
not, God bearing witness of it. 

Christian Whitmer, Hiram Page, 
Jacob Whitmer, Joseph Smith, Sen., 

Peter Whitmer, Jun., Hyrum Smith, 
John Whitmer, Samuel H. Smith." 

Necessity of the Testimonies. — In all ages of the 
world when the Lord has had a work to be performed he 
has raised up witnesses. In this manner his works are at- 
tested so that those who reject them will be left without 
an excuse. The justice of the Lord demands that this shall 
be done. The Lord commanded Moses, when in the wilder- 
ness, that no man should be condemned except it be on the 
testimony of two or three witnesses. "One witness shall 
not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, 
in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, 
or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be estab- 
lished" (Deut. 19:15). The Savior himself bore witness 
to the justice and validity of this law when he contended 
with the Jews. Said He: "It is also written in your law, 



WITNESSES OF THE BOOK OF MORMON 79 

that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bearetli 
witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth wit- 
ness of me." In this manner he condemned riiem for reject- 
ing his testimony, which was attested by the scriptures and 
had the approval of his Father. 

If Joseph Smith had given no other testimony but his 
own, then he might justly have been condemned, for his 
testimony would not have been in keeping with the word of 
the Lord, but the testimony of three other men should be 
sufficient. Reinforced as that testimony is by the testimony 
of the eleven others, and by the witness which the book itself 
affords, the testimony given by Joseph Smith becomes bind- 
ing on the world. All who reject it, the Lord said, shall be 
condemned, for the "testimony of two men is true," provided 
they are truthful witnesses. The Book of Mormon declares 
that in "the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be 
established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in 
the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also 
his word, of which the Father and the Son, and the Holy 
Ghost bear record — and all this shall stand as a testimony 
against the world at the last day" (Ether 5 :4). 

Validity of the Testimonies. — The witnesses of the 
Book of. Mormon were true and faithful to their testimony 
throughout their lives. The time came, however, when all 
three of the special witnesses became estranged from Joseph 
Smith and departed from the Church. Because of their spirit 
of rebellion against the Prophet and the work, Oliver 
Cowdery and David Whitmer were dealt with for their fel- 
lowship and excommunicated from the Church. Martin 
Harris simply drifted away without action being taken 
against him in an official way. While the Prophet lived, 
they retained their bitterness of spirit and remained aloof, 
but during all those years, and to the end of life, all three 
were steadfast in their testimony as found in the Book of 
Mormon. In the year 1848, after the Church had been 
driven from Nauvoo, Oliver Cowdery returned to the Church 
at Kanesville and humbly begged to be re-admitted as a 
member. Martin Harris also sought again a place and stand- 



80 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

ing in the Church and in the year 1870 he came to Utah to 
make his home. He died in 1875, at Clarkston, Utah, at the 
age of 92 years. David Whitmer never came back to the 
Church, but shortly before his death, in refutation of the 
statements that had gone forth that he had denied his testi- 
mony, he published it again to the world, in which he said : 
"It is recorded in the American Cyclopedia and the Encyclo- 
pedia Brittanica, that I, David Whitmer, have denied my 
testimony as one of the Three Witnesses to the divinity of 
the Book of Mormon; and that the other two witnesses, 
Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, denied their testimony 
to that book. I will say once more to all mankind, that I 
have never at any time denied that testimony or any part 
thereof. I also testify to the world, that neither Oliver 
Cowdery nor Martin Harris ever at any time denied their 
testimony. They both died reaffirming the truth of the di- 
vine authenticity of the Book of Mormon. " c 

Impossibility of Collusion.— If there had been col- 
lusion between Joseph Smith and the witnesses, then of 
necessity they would have had to hold together and tell the 
same story. A disagreement on the part of any, or all of 
them, would have meant destruction to their plan, if it were 
not true. The boldness with which Joseph Smith and the 
Church met the situation, when these men rebelled, and took 
action against them and severed them from the Church, 
would never have been done if there had been fraud and 
collusion. The Prophet and the high council would not 
have dared to do it. This fact together with the other fact 
that after they were severed from the Church and had be- 
come estranged, they all three bore the same testimony, and 
all told the same story which they told when in the Church, 
precludes even the remotest possibility that they had planned 
together to deceive. These truths together with much more 
evidence which cannot be mentioned here, is strong pre- 
sumptive evidence of the authenticity of the solemn mes- 
sage given by these witnesses to the world. 



c"An Address to All Believers in Christ," David Whitmer. 
Compare "Millennial Star," 43:301. 



WITNESSES OF THE BOOK OF MORMON 81 



The Angel Receives the Plates. — After the comple- 
tion of the translation of the Book of Mormon in 1829, the 
angel again appeared to Joseph Smith and received back 
the plates into his keeping. Of this circumstance the 
Prophet wrote in 1838 : "By the wisdom of God, they [the 
plates] remained safe in my hands, until I had accomplished 
by them what was requir- 
ed at my hand. When, 
according to arrangement, 
the messenger called for 
them, I delivered them up 
to him, and he has them 
in his charge until this 
day." 

The Book of Mormon 
Printed. — The question 
of printing the manuscript 
now confronted Joseph 
Smith. Not only was he 
without the necessary 
means, but printers were 
scarce and those who were 
approached were either 
prejudiced through bigot- press on which the book of 
ry, or unwilling for fear mormon was printed 

of the opposition of customers. Martin Harris, who pos- 
sessed the means, came to the rescue with a promise to pay 
for the printing of the book. Finally a contract was entered 
into with Mr. Egbert B. Grandin, of Palmyra, who con- 
sented to print five thousand copies of the Book of Mormon 
for three thousand dollars. In the meantime the copyright 
to the book had been secured. The appearance of the words 
"Author and Proprietor" which appear on the title page of 
the first edition of the Book of Mormon, have caused some 
ridicule by enemies of Joseph Smith. This expression was 
printed in the book in accord with the law governing copy- 
rights, and in no way detracts from the validity of the story 
of the translation of the record. 




82 



ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



Jh*£> 



&7S &*<&***%**•«& 



THE 



&&*-** ■ 



* ■/ 



BOOK OF MOEMOM: 



AN ACCOUNT WRITTEN BY THE HAND OP Mfr 

MON, UPON PLATES TAKEN PROM 

WtE PLATES OF NEPHF. 



When fore it is an abridgment of the Record of the People of Nephi ; an.i <-.;.- -.- , , 
{!■< i. snv.nite* , written to the Latnanitps, which are a remnant of ti«* House 
Israel , *n<i also to Jew a»d Gentile , written bv way of comrBandmaat, aod si 
hy ilir- spirit tjf l*r«|>h«8¥ «.i«l of Re ve tattoo. Written, mi muhdup* arsi tml 
up tint', titft Lori>, tnat they might mot be destroyed , to come fV<rtl* % tin* ;■;« 
and pvwer of<«<>r> unto the interpretation thoreof; seated by $$ &ai?4 of (tors 
nt. a»«J hid wp unit* the Lose, tocuate forth ia d«e tlaio by the way of <*em>!* . 
th- inK-jpre-iuitiun thereof by th« giftofGos; as ahridgsaoat takes Jrom ty 
Book of Ether, , . -.,-.._ ..',, 

Also, which i« a RjS^hfd of the Peopk of Jared, which were, ;&el!lered at fl • -, t 
the Lord confounded the tangoage of the peofde when *h*y were bujUsit^ s 
?<>*er to get to Heaven : which is to shew o»t« the remaaot of the House of 
I -raid how. great tbtags the Lost} hath done for thou father*; and that they may 
know the covenants of the Los», that they are not east off forevtt , and &iso t*> 
the convincing of &« J« w * R d Creatite that Jksos ia the Chios*, the ETe«»«ai> 
<3o» m&nt&'»8g Hlteaelf titrto aH aawenta. And now If there he ta«:f, h 
mistake of bskb ; wtaorefbr* coodstso sot the &iap of €fo», that ye may hr 
-fn»«d spo?!«» at'the judgmos* s*at «C €«»*$*« '» 



BY JOSEPH SJHITII, JUBflOB, 
AUTHOR AM\> PROPRIETOR: 



PALMYRA: 

;© m & a grandis, im the aithok 

1830. 



TITLE PAGE OF BOOK OF MORMON 



WITNESSES OF THE BOOK OF MORMON 83 

Soon after the completion of the translation and the se- 
curing of the copyright, the Lord commanded that Oliver 
Cowdery should transcribe the entire manuscript, and that in 
furnishing copy to the printer, the second copy should be 
used, and that only sheet by sheet, as the type should be 
set up. It was further provided that in going to and from 
the printing office, there should always be a guard to pro- 
tect the manuscript, and that a guard should be placed at 
the home constantly to watch and protect the translation 
from evil disposed persons. These precautions were neces- 
sary because of the malicious opposition which prevailed 
in and about Palmyra, where the work was done. At times 
attempts were made to get the manuscript from the pos- 
session of Joseph and those who, with him, had the work in 
charge. 

One man, named Cole, more cunning than the others 
who opposed the work, devised the plan of anticipating the 
publication of the book. Cole, an ex-justice of the peace, 
was printing a paper which he called Dogberry Paper on 
Winter Hill. He had announced to his subscribers that he 
would furnish them weekly installments of the Book of 
Mormon in his paper. Having access to the Grandin print- 
ing office, he commenced his publication by working on 
Sundays when the office was closed. In this manner he 
was able to publish a number of issues containing garbled 
extracts from the printed sheets of the Book of Mormon. 
As the copyright was secured, he was warned and finally 
stopped from this method of stealing. The work of print- 
ing the book continued, but not without interruption, for 
great pressure was brought to bear upon the printer who was 
threatened by enemies of the latter-day work, with a with- 
drawal of trade that would ruin his business. This came 
near to breaking the contract. However, after some delays, 
the book was finished some time in the spring of 1830, and 
made ready to go forth, as the Nephite prophets had fore- 
told, to the Gentiles and then to the house of Israel as a 
voice speaking out of the dust. 



CHAPTER 11 

REVELATION ON DOCTRINE AND CHURCH 

GOVERNMENT 

1829—1830 

Revelation to the Witnesses, — Before the Church 
could be organized it was essential that there be revealed 
such matters as pertained to the organization of the Church. 
This was done between the time the witnesses viewed the 
plates of the ancient record and the sixth of April, 1830. 
The first of these (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 18) was given to 
Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, at 
Fayette. It made known the calling of the Twelve Apostles 
who should be chosen in this dispensation, although it was 
about six years before they were called. It gave instructions 
"relative to the building up of the Church of Christ accord- 
ing to the fulness of the Gospel." It was also stated that 
the Book of Mormon contained "all things written concern- 
ing the foundation" of the Church and the Gospel. The 
Church, when organized, should be built upon the founda- 
tion of the Gospel and "the gates of hell shall not prevail" 
against it. Moreover, it was declared that "the world is 
ripening in iniquity, and it must needs be that the chil- 
dren of men are stirred up unto repentance, both the Gentiles 
and also the house of Israel." To Oliver Cowdery and 
David Whitmer, the Lord said that all men were now called 
on to repent, for the Priesthood was restored and the op- 
portunity given for the remission of sins. These men had 
been called as special witnesses, and therefore were under 
obligation to warn the world. Until this time men had not 
been privileged to be baptized, for there had been no author- 
ity in the earth to officiate in gospel ordinances. The Lord 
said the worth of souls was great, for Christ had suffered 
"the pains of all men that all might repent and come unto 
him." As many as would repent and (be baptized in the 
name of Jesus Christ and endure to the end, should be 



REVELATION ON DOCTRINE 85 

saved. It was made clear in this revelation that all men 
must take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, for in his 
name should "they be called in the last day." Otherwise 
they "cannot have a place in the kingdom" of the Father. 

The Twelve Apostles. — Not only were Joseph Smith 
and the witnesses to the Book of Mormon to be called to 
testify, but there were to be twelve other witnesses, who 
should be appointed to declare the Gospel to both Gentile 
and Jew. The three witnesses to the Book of Mormon were 
designated to search out these Twelve Apostles, who were 
to have charge of the preaching of the Gospel in all the 
world. 

Revelation Given to Martin Harris. — The next great 
commandment (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 19) was given to 
Martin Harris, in March, 1830, as one of the three special 
witnesses. Martin was admonished and warned against his 
weaknesses, and was commanded to preach the first prin- 
ciples of the Gospel and declare "glad tidings" upon the 
mountains, and "every high place, and among the people," 
unto the end of his life. If he should fail, then misery 
should he receive. He was - further instructed to keep his 
contract with the printer, and impart of his substance for 
the printing of the Book of Mormon, which "contains the 
truth and the word of God." 

The Atonement and Eternal Punishment Explained. 
— The most important teaching in this revelation was the 
doctrine of the atonement and the explanation of the ex- 
pression "eternal punishment." "I am Alpha and Omega," 
said the Lord, "yea, even I am He, the beginning and the 
end, the Redeemer of the world. I have accomplished and 
finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father, con- 
cerning me — having done this that I might subdue all things 
unto myself, retaining all power, even to the destroying of 
Satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last 
great day of judgment, which I shall pass upon the inhabi- 
tants thereof, judging every man according to his works 
and the deeds which he hath done, 



86 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

"And surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, 
am endless; Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which 
I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and 
gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left- 
hand. Nevertheless it is not written that there shall be no 
end to this torment, but it is written endless torment. Again 
it is written eternal damnation; wherefore it is more ex- 
press than other scriptures, that it might work upon the 
hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name's 
glory. Wherefore I will explain unto you this mystery, for 
it is mete unto you to know even as mine apostles. * * * 

"For behold, the mystery of Godliness, how great is it? 
for, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is 
given from my hand, is endless punishment, for Endless is 
my name ; wherefore — 

Eternal punishment is God's punishment. 

Endless punishment is God's punishment." 

Then follows the statement that Jesus Christ "suffered 
the pains for all, that they might not suffer if they would 
repent." These sufferings were most exquisite and sore, 
which caused him "the greatest of all, to tremble because 
of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body 
and spirit;" and would that he "might not drink the bitter 
cup and shrink." Nevertheless he partook of that cup and 
finished his work, and this that men might not suffer if 
they would repent ; but if they will not repent then they must 
suffer even as he. 

Revelation on Church Government. — In April 1830, 
just before the organization of the Church, another very 
important revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 20) was received 
on Church government. In it the date for the organization 
of the Church was designated as April 6. The Church was 
to be "regularly organized and established agreeable to the 
laws of our country" by the will and commandment of the 
Lord. These commandments were given to Joseph Smith 
and Oliver Cowdery, who had been called and ordained to 
be apostles, or special witnesses for Christ. Joseph Smith 



REVELATION ON DOCTRINE 87 

was to be the first elder of the Church and Oliver Cowdery 
the second elder, and they were to ordain each other to these 
callings, according to the grace of Jesus Christ. Other 
matters of great importance revealed are as follows : 

Mention is made of the matter of translation of the 
Book of Mormon, which is said to contain the record of a 
fallen people, and the fulness of the Gospel to the Gentiles 
and also to the Jews. By the opening of the heavens, and the 
inspiration given to men who are called to his holy work, 
the Lord has shown that "he is the same God yesterday, 
today, and forever, and does inspire men and call them to his 
work in this age and generation, as well as in generations 
of old. 

By these great witnesses the world shall be judged, 
"even as many as shall come to a knowledge of this work." 
Those who receive it in righteousness shall receive a crown 
of eternal life, while those who reject it shall be condemned. 
It is declared that the Lord has spoken, and the elders of 
the Church have heard and bear witness so that through 
their testimony man may know there is a God in heaven, 
who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting, 
the same unchangeable Framer of heaven and earth and 
all things which are in them. Man is created in the image of 
God, male and female, and is commanded to love and serve 
him. Through transgression of his laws, man became fallen, 
wherefore the Only Begotten Son was sent into the world 
to suffer temptations — but gave no heed to them — was 
crucified, died, and rose the third day and ascended into 
heaven to reign in power. All who believe on him and are 
baptized and endure to the end, shall be saved, no matter 
when they lived on the earth. Men everywhere must repent 
and believe in Christ, worshiping the Father in the name of 
the Son and endure in faith, or they cannot be saved. Justi- 
fication through grace is true, as also is sanctifieation, to all 
who love the Father with all their might, mind and strength. 
The dangers of falling away from grace are pointed out, 



88 ESSENTIALS IN CH URCH HISTORY 

with a warning to the members of the Church to "take heed 
and pray alv/ays lest they fall into temptation." 

Manner of Baptism Explained. — By way of com- 
mandment to the Church the manner of Baptism is set forth 
as follows : "All those who humble themselves before God, 
and desire to be baptized and come forth with broken hearts 
and contrite spirits, and witness before the Church that they 
have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take 
upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determina- 
tion 'to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their 
works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto 
the remission of their sins, shall be received into his Church." 
No person can be received into the Church unless he has 
arrived unto the years of accountability, which is eight years, 
for he must be capable of repentance, which infants are not. 
Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto 
all who repent: 

How Baptism is Performed. — "The person who is 
called of God, and has authority from Jesus Christ to bap- 
tize, shall go down into the water with the person who has 
presented him or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling 
him or her by name, — Having been commissioned of Jesus 
Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then shall he immerse 
him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the 
water." 

Duties of Elders, Priests, Teachers, Deacons and 
Members. — An apostle is said to be an elder. His calling; 
is to baptize and ordain other officers in the Church. It. 
should here be explained that at the organization of the 
Church and for some time thereafter, the officers mentioned 
here were all that were needed. As the Church expanded 1 
the Lord revealed the duties of other officers in their time.. 
Elders are to baptize, confirm mem!bers, preach, expound the 
scriptures, administer the sacrament and take charge of 
meetings which are to be conducted "as they," the elders,, 



REVELATION ON DOCTRINE 89 

"are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments 
and revelations." 

The priest is to teach, expound, baptize and administer 
the sacrament. He may ordain other priests, teachers and 
deacons, but cannot lay on hands for the gift of the Holy 
Ghost. He may take the lead of meetings in the absence 
of higher authority. It is his duty to visit the home of the 
members and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and 
to attend to all family duties. When called upon he is to 
assist the elder in his duties. 

The teacher is to be the guardian of the Church. He is to 
see that there is no iniquity in the Church, neither lying, 
backbiting, or evil speaking among the members, and to see 
that the Church meet together often and that the members 
perform their duties. He is to take the lead of meetings if 
there is no elder or priest present and may assist them in 
their duties. He cannot baptize, confirm, or administer the 
sacrament. 

The deacon is to assist the teacher and other officers in 
the Church, but he cannot baptize, confirm, or administer 
the sacrament. 

Conferences of the Church. — The elders of the Church 
are instructed to meet in conference once in three months, 
or from time to time as they may determine, to transact 
such business as may come before them. All who are or- 
dained are to receive certificates of ordination, and shall 
be accepted as officers in the Church by the vote of the 
members. 

Duties of Church Members. — All members shall be 
received by baptism after they have repented of their sins. 
They shall have sufficient time to be taught the Gospel and 
Church government before they are confirmed and partake 
of the sacrament. Children are to be brought to the elders 
of the Church, who shall bless them. The members must 
meet together often to partake of the sacrament in remem- 
brance of the Lord Jesus Christ. The elder or priest who 
shall administer the sacrament "shall kneel with the Church 



90 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

and call upon the Father in solemn prayer," repeating the 
words which the Lord Himself has given. 

Transgressors. — Any member of the Church trans 
gressing the commandments of the Lord, or the rules of 
the Church, shall be dealt with as the scriptures direct. If 
any are expelled their names are to be "blotted out" and 
not kept on the records of the Church. 

Recommendations of Members. — Records of members 
are to be kept in a book, and the members moving from one 
branch to another shall take a letter of recommendation, or 
certificate, stating that they are in standing in the Church. 
This shall be presented to the presiding officer in the branch 
with which they desire to unite. 

Summary. — These commandments and instructions 
were given through Joseph Smith, shortly before the or- 
ganization of the Church, to guide him and his compan- 
ions in Church government. They are all important because 
they deal with the fundamental principles of the Gospel and 
doctrines of the Church. They set forth clearly many things 
which were familiarly known in the primitive Church, but 
which were either lost or perverted during the ages of apos- 
tasy and departure from the standards set by the Savior 
and his disciples. Again they are restored in their simplicity, 
freed from all mysticism and error, for the salvation of man- 
kind. 



CHAPTER 12 

ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH 
1830 

The Church Organized. — It was made known, 
shortly after the bestowal of the Melchizedek Priesthood, 
that the Church of Jesus Christ was to be organized. It was 
after Joseph Smith and his companions had engaged in 
solemn prayer that the word of the Lord came to them in 
the home of Father Peter Whitmer, "commanding us," the 
Prophet writes, "that I should ordain Oliver Cowdery to be 
an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ; and that he also 
should ordain me to the same office; and then to ordain 
others, as it should be made known unto us from time to 
time. We were, however, commanded to defer this our or- 
dination until such times as it should be practicable to have 
our brethren, who had been and who should be baptized, as- 
sembled together, when we must have their sanction to our 
thus proceeding to ordain each other, and have them decide 
by vote whether they were willing to accept us as spiritual 
teachers or not; when also we were commanded to bless 
bread and break it with them, and to take wine, bless it, and 
drink it with them ; afterward proceed to ordain each other 
according to commandment ; then call out such men as the 
Spirit should indicate, and ordain them; and then attend 
to the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, up- 
on all those whom we had previously baptized, doing all 
things in the name of the Lord." 

Fulfilment of the Promise. — On the sixth day of 
April, 1830, the time for the fulfilment of this promise ar- 
rived, Joseph and a few of those who had been baptized met 
in the house of Peter Whitmer, Sen., and proceeded, as the 
Lord had instructed them, to organize the Church. It was 
on a Tuesday, and there were six in number, namely, Joseph 
Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Peter Whitmer, Jr., 
David Whitmer and Samuel H. Smith. The small, but mo- 



92 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

mentous meeting, was opened by solemn prayer. Those 
present then proceeded to express their willingness, as in- 
structed <by divine commandment, to accept Joseph Smith 
and Oliver Cowdery as their teachers in the things of the 
kingdom of God. Then they were called upon to declare 
whether or not they were willing to proceed to organize the 
Church of Jesus Christ. To both propositions they consented 
with unanimous voice. "I then laid my hands upon Oliver 
Cowdery," says the Prophet, "and ordained him an elder 
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; after 
which he ordained me also to the office of" elder of said 
Church. We then took bread, blessed it, and brake it with 
them ; and also wine, blessed, and drank it with them. We 
then laid our hands on each individual memlber of the 
Church present, that they might receive the gift of the 
Holy Ghost, and be confirmed members of the Church of 
Christ. The Holy Ghost was poured out upon us to a very 
marked degree, some prophesied, whilst we all praised the 
Lord, and rejoiced exceedingly." 

All six of these young men — Hyrum Smith, the oldest, 
was but 31 years of age — had been baptized previously to 
the organization. They were all again baptized on that 
memorable day, April 6, 1830. 

A Record to be Kept. — While they were still in ses- 
sion in this meeting of organization a revelation (Doc. and 
Cov. Sec. 21) was given to the Church in which they were 
instructed to keep a record. In this record, Joseph Smith 
was to be called "a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle 
of Jesus Christ, and elder of the Church through the will 
of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ. " 
The Church was also commanded to give heed unto all his 
words and commandments, "as he receiveth them, as if 
from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith," said the 
Lord. By doing this "the gates of hell" should not prevail 
against them, for the Lord would dispel the powers of dark- 
ness. The Prophet would no longer have to mourn for Zion, 
for he should have inspiration to move the cause of Zion in 



ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH 93 

mighty power, for the days of her rejoicing were at hand. 
Oliver Cowdery was appointed "the first preacher of the 
Church, unto the Church, and before the world, yea, before 
the Gentiles and * * * ' to the Jews also." 

Destiny of the Church. — In the manner here de- 
scribed, there came into the world a power, destined to grow 
and expand until it shall fill the earth, for it is the "king- 
dom which shall never be destroyed * * * and it shall 
stand forever." At the time of the organization, however, its 
influence and power appeared to be insignificant; yet it 
caused, even then, consternation and fear in the hearts of 
the wicked, and strenuous efforts were launched to bring it 
to destruction. 

Others Called to the Ministry.— Before the meeting 
closed Joseph and Oliver called out others and ordained 
them to different offices in the Priesthood, as the Spirit 
manifested unto them, presumably to the offices in the 
Aaronic Priesthood. The Spirit of the Lord was poured out 
upon them in abundance, and after a happy time spent in 
testimony and witnessing to each other the blessings of the 
Lord, they dismissed the meeting, feeling that they were 
now individually members of the Church of Jesus Christ, 
and acknowledged as such of God. There were others pres- 
ent besides the six who formed the organization of the 
Church. Six persons were required by law to properly form 
a society or organization of the kind. Others who were 
present also received of the Spirit of the Lord in the meeting 
and being convinced of the truth came forward and desired 
to be united with the Church. Shortly afterwards they 
were also baptized. Among these were the Prophet's par- 
ents, Joseph Smith, Sen., and Lucy Mack Smith; also Mar- 
tin Harris and Orrin Porter Rockwell. 

Baptism a New and Everlasting Covenant. — As 
stated, all six of the original members of the Church were 
again baptized on the day of the organization. This action 
was due, in part at least, to the fact that baptism is the 
doorway into the Church as well as for the remission of sins. 



94 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

There had been a few others (baptized before the sixth of 
April (See Ch. 9). Some of those previously baptized raised 
the question as to why they should again be baptized. In 
consequence of their desire to unite with the Church without 
re-baptism, the Prophet inquired of the Lord in relation to 
the matter and received the following revelation : 

"Behold, I say unto you, that all old covenants have 
I caused to be done away in this thing, and this is a 
new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was 
from the beginning. 

Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an 
hundred times, it availeth him nothing, for you cannot 
enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither 
by your dead works; 

For it is because of your dead works, that I have 
caused this last covenant and this Church to be built up 
iunto me, even as in days of old. 

Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have com- 
manded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen'' (Doc. 
and Cov. sec. 22). 






CHAPTER 13 

BEGINNING OF THE PUBLIC MINISTRY OF 

THE CHURCH 

1830 

The First Public Discourse. — On Sunday, April 11, 
1830, the work of proselyting was publicly launched. The 
first discourse was preached by Oliver Cowdery. The meet- 
ing was held by appointment at the home of "Father" Peter 
Whitmer, where the meeting of organization had been held 
the Tuesday preceding. A goodly number of members and 
investigators were present. The impression made on the 
minds of those assembled was favorable, and the same day 
Hiram Page, Katherine Page, Christian Whitmer, Anne 
Whitmer, Jacob Whitmer and Elizabeth Whitmer, were bap- 
tized. One week later (April 18) Peter Whitmer, Sen., 
Mary Whitmer, William Jolly, Elizabeth Jolly, Vincent Jolly, 
Richard B. Preston and Elizabeth Ann Whitmer, were add- 
ed to the Church. 

The Ministry of Joseph Smith in Colesville. — Later 
in the month of April Joseph Smith paid a visit to the Knight 
family in Colesville, Broome County, N. Y. He had been 
on very friendly terms with Joseph Knight, Sen., and had 
been materially assisted by that gentleman from time to 
time, while translating the plates. Mr. Knight and his fam- 
ily were Universalists, with broad, liberal views. They 
were willing to reason in a friendly spirit with Joseph Smith 
on the scriptures. Several public meetings were held in 
Colesville which were attended by many friends and strang- 
ers. Newel Knight, son of Joseph Knight, Sen., was a regu- 
lar attendant at these meetings, and seemed to be deeply 
impressed. He and the Prophet held many conversations on 
scriptural subjects and the plan of salvation, in which a 
favorable impression was made on the mind of Newel. He 
promised to assist Joseph in one of these meetings by offer- 
ing vocal prayer, but when the time came his courage failed 



96 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

him. Later he expressed a desire to go out in the woods 
by himself and there, where he could be alone, offer vocal 
prayer, a thing to which he evidently was not accustomed. 
The following morning, in fulfilment of his promise, he re- 
tired into the woods alone, with a troubled conscience be- 
cause of his failure to keep his promise on the previous 
occasion. Kneeling in a secluded spot he attempted to offer 
vocal prayer, but his lips were sealed. He could not pray. 
He began to feel uneasy and became troubled in both mind 
and body. When he arrived home his wife was greatly 
alarmed at his strange appearance. He requested her to 
send for Joseph, which was done. When he came he found 
Newel suffering very much; his visage was distorted, and 
his limbs were twisted out of shape in a frightful manner. 
Presently he was caught up from the floor and tossed about 
the room. The strange scene and excitement brought many 
of the neighbors to the house, who witnessed his peculiar 
malady. 

The First Miracle. — After some difficulty Joseph suc- 
ceeded in taking Newel by the hand, and with great earnest- 
ness Newel pleaded with him to cast the devil out of him, for 
he knew he was possessed. The Prophet said, "If you 
know that I can, it shall be done." Then, almost uncon- 
sciously, he rebuked the evil spirit in the name of Jesus 
Christ and commanded him to depart. Immediately Newel 
spoke, saying he saw the evil spirit leave him and vanish 
from his sight. This was the first miracle performed in 
this dispensation. As soon as the devil departed Newel be- 
came normal again, his distortions of body ceased, and the 
Spirit of the Lord opened his vision to a glorious manifesta- 
tion of the heavens. 

Those who were present were greatly astonished when 
they saw the casting out of the devil, and the witness of the 
Spirit of the Lord. Nearly all of those who were present 
later became members of the Church. 

The First Conference of the Church. — Shortly after 
this event, Joseph returned to Fayette. Newel Knight fol- 



BEGINNING OF THE PUBLIC MINISTRY 97 



lowed him and was baptized during the last week in May, 
by David Whitmer. On the 9th of June the first confer- 
ence of the Church was held in Fayette. The Church at 
that time numbered twenty-seven souls. There were many 
others present at the meetings, some of whom were friendly 




MAP OF NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA 

und some who believed. At this conference the sacrament 
was administered and those recently baptized were con- 
firmed. Others were sustained by the members to receive 
the Priesthood, and were ordained. The officers at the com- 
mencement of the Conference were, Joseph Smith, Oliver 
Cowdery, David Whitmer, Peter Whitmer and Ziba Peter- 



98 ESSENTIALS IN CH URCH HISTORY 

son, each of whom held the office of elder in the Church. 
During this conference Samuel H. Smith was ordained to 
the office of an elder, Joseph Smith, Sen., Hyrum Smith and 
Martin Harris were ordained priests, and Hiram Page and 
Christian Whitmer were ordained teachers. At the close of 
this conference there were in the Church seven ordained 
elders, three priests and two teachers. Oliver Cowdery was 
appointed to keep the record of the Church and minutes of 
meetings until the next conference. The Holy Spirit was 
poured out upon them. Many of this little band composing 
the Church were given the spirit of prophecy, while others 
'beheld visions and remarkable manifestations from the 
heavens. Newel Knight saw in vision the great work which 
would yet be accomplished through the preaching of the 
Gospel and the organization of the Church. He beheld the 
Redeemer and received the assurance that he would be ad- 
mitted into his presence to dwell in his kingdom for ever. 

"To find ourselves engaged in the very same order of 
things," said Joseph Smith, "as observed by the holy apos- 
tles of old; to realize the importance and solemnity of such 
proceedings ; and to witness and feel with our own natural 
senses, the like glorious manifestations of the powers of the 
Priesthood, the gift and blessing of the Holy Ghost, and the 
goodness and condescension of a merciful God unto such as 
obey the everlasting Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, com- 
bined to create within us sensations of rapturous gratitude, 
and inspire us with fresh zeal and energy in the cause of 
truth." 

Eleven other converts were baptized at the close of this 
conference, by David Whitmer, in Seneca Lake, where most 
of the other baptisms were performed. Those added to 
the Church at this time were : John Poorman, John Jolly, 
Julia Ann Jolly, Harriet Jolly, Jerusha Smith (the wife of 
Hyrum Smith), William, Catherine and Don Carlos Smith; 
and Peter, Caroline and Electa Rockwell. 

Second Visit to Colesville. — Joseph Smith again paid 
a visit to Colesville a short time after this conference. Oliver 



BEGINNING OF THE PUBLIC MINISTRY 99 

Cowdery, John and David Whitmer accompanied him. They 
found a number of persons anxiously awaiting them and 
desiring baptism. A meeting was appointed for the Sabbath ; 
on Saturday a dam was constructed across a stream in prepa- 
ration for the ordinance on the following day. During the 
night the dam was maliciously destroyed. It was later 
learned that this was the work of a mob, at the instigation 
of sectarian priests. On Sunday the meeting was held as 
contemplated. Oliver Cowdery was the principal speaker, 
but others also spoke. The first principles of the Gospel 
were presented and witness to the divine message of the 
Book of Mormon was borne. In the meeting were many 
who had helped to form the mob, who, at the close, en- 
deavored to destroy the influence of the meeting, but were 
unsuccessful. Extreme bitterness w r as manifested on the 
part of those who opposed. The sister of Newel Knight's 
wife was violently treated because she was kindly disposed, 
and against her will was forced by a Rev. Shearer, to re- 
turn to her father's home, some distance from her sister's, 
where she was stopping. This man, a Presbyterian min- 
ister, on false pretenses, obtained from the father a power 
of attorney, by which he dragged her off. His labor was 
all in vain, for she also was baptized. 

Early Monday morning the dam was replaced and thir- 
teen persons were baptized by Oliver Cowdery. They were : 
Emma, wife of Joseph Smith ; Hezekiah Peck and wife, 
Joseph Knight, Sen., and wife, William Stringham and 
wife, Joseph Knight, Jr., Aaron Culver and wife, Levi Hale, 
Polly Knight and Julia Stringham. 

Arrest of Joseph Smith. — Before they were through 
with the ordinance the mob began to gather. They sur- 
rounded the house of Joseph Knight, Sen., prepared to do 
violence, but through the blessings of the Lord the Saints 
were protected, but were subjected to numerous insults and 
threatenings. A meeting was called for that evening for the 
purpose of attending to the confirmation of those baptized 
in the morning. When they met at the appointed hour, they 



100 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

were all surprised at the appearance of a constable, who, 
with a warrant, arrested Joseph on the charge of being "a 
disorderly person, setting the country in an uproar by 
preaching the Book of Mormon." The constable frankly 
informed him that the arrest was for the purpose of getting 
him into the hands of a mob, then lying in ambush for him, 
but he would save him from their hands as he, the constable, 
had discovered that Joseph was not the sort of person he had 
been led to believe. As Joseph accompanied the constable 
in a wagon, they encountered the mob, not far from the 
home of Joseph Knight. The mobbers waited for the pre- 
arranged signal from the constable, but he, whipping up his 
horse, obtained a lead. The mobbers followed as best they 
could. In the flight one of the wagon wheels came off, and 
before it could be replaced the mobbers were again in sight. 
However, the wheel was replaced in time and with renewed 
energy Joseph was able to escape. 

The constable took Joseph to South Bainbridge, Chen- 
ango County, and lodged him in a tavern, where he kept 
guard all night. The following day a court convened to 
investigate the charges. Great excitement prevailed because 
of falsehoods which had been circulated freely among the 
people. Joseph Knight, Sen., engaged the services of two 
respectable farmers who were versed in the law, namely, 
James Davidson and John Reid, and brought them to South 
Bainbridge to defend the Prophet. 

The Trial at South Bainbridge. — The enemies of 
Joseph Smith scoured the country for witnesses who would 
testify against him. The justice of the peace who heard the 
case, Joseph Chamberlain, was a man of fair mind and a 
lover of justice. Many witnesses were heard, but among 
those who testified were Josiah Stowel, Jonathan Thomp- 
son and the two daughters of Mr. Stowel, all of whom gave 
evidence of his good character. Other testimony was proved 
to be false. The trial lasted from ten o'clock in the morning 
until midnight, when a verdict of "not guilty" was rendered. 

The Second Arrest.— No sooner was Joseph freed 



BEGINNING OF THE PUBLIC MINISTRY 101 

by the court than he was again arrested on a second war- 
rant from Broome County, a distance of about fifteen miles. 
The constable who came for him forced him to leave that 
night without permitting him to eat, although he had been 
in the court room all day without nourishment. He took 
him to Colesville and lodged him in a tavern. Then, calling 
in a number of rowdies, he began to abuse his prisoner with 
the assistance of his rabble. Spitting upon him and point- 
ing their fingers at him they cried in fiendish glee, 
"Prophesy, prophesy !" Being near his home, Joseph re- 
quested the constable to take him there for the remainder 
of the night, but this was denied him. He asked for some- 
thing to eat and was given some crusts of bread and water. 

The Trial at Colesville.— The next day the trial be- 
gan before three justices. The most able help had been 
secured to prosecute the case while the defense was again 
represented by Esquires Reid and Davidson. Many wit- 
nesses were called who bore false and contradictory testi- 
mony. Newel Knight was placed upon the stand and ques- 
tioned in ridicule by one of the lawyers, named Seymour, in 
relation to the casting out of a devil from his person, but 
the testimony turned to the discomfiture of the prosecution. 

At the close of the testimony the court deliberated for 
about thirty minutes, although it was then nearly two o'clock 
a. m. and they had been in session since the morning of 
the previous day. The prisoner was brought (before the 
court and the presiding justice said: "Mr. Smith, we have 
had your case under consideration, examined the testimony 
and find nothing to condemn you, and therefore you are dis- 
charged." The judges then proceeded to reprimand him 
severely, "Not because anything derogatory to his char- 
acter in any shape had been proved against him by the host 
of witnesses that had testified during the trial," said Mr. 
Reid, "but merely to please those fiends in human shape 
who were engaged in the unhallowed persecution of an in- 
nocent man, sheerly on account of his religious opinions." 

Statement of Mr. Reid. — Several years later, Mr, Reid 



102 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

visited Nauvoo, and in the course of an address said, speak- 
ing of these trials : 

"But, alas ! the devil, not satisfied with his defeat 
(at the first trial) stirred up a man not unlike himself, 
who was more fit to dwell among the fiends of hell 
than to belong to the human family, to go to Colesville 
and get another writ, and take him to Broome County 
for another trial. They were sure they could send that 
boy to hell, or to Texas, they did not care which ; and 
in half an hour after he was discharged by the court, 
he was arrested again, and on the way to Colesville for 
another trial. I was again called upon by his friends 
to defend him against his malignant persecutors, and 
clear him from; the false charges they had preferred 
against him. I made every reasonable excuse I could, 
as I was nearly worn down through fatigue and want 
of sleep, as I had been engaged in law suits for two 
days, and nearly the whole of two nights. But I saw the 
persecution was great against him; and here, let me say, 
Mr. Chairman, -singular as it may seem, while Mr. 
Knight was pleading with me to go, a peculiar impres- 
sion, or thought struck my mind, that I must go and 
defend him, for he was the Lord's anointed. I did not 
know what it meant, but thought I mlust go and clear 
the Lord's anointed. I said I would go, and started with 
as much faith as the apostles had when they could re- 
move mountains, accompanied by Father Knight, who 
was like the old patriarchs that followed the ark of God 
to the city of David. * * * We got him away that night 
from the midst of three hundred people without his re- 
ceiving any injury ; but I am well aware that we were 
assisted by some higher power than man; for to look 
back on the scene, I cannot tell how we succeeded in 
getting him away. I take no glory to mvself ; it was the 
Lord's work and marvelous in our eyes" (Times and Seasons 
5:549-552). 

Inspiration of the Attorneys. — At the trial the 
Prophet's lawyers, who were not members of the Church, 
spoke with an inspiration that caused their enemies to quake 
before them. So powerful were their words that many gf 



BEGINNING OF THE PUBLIC MINISTRY 103 

the assembled multitude were pricked in their hearts. The 
constable who had been so vicious came forward and apolo- 
gized for his ill-treatment and misbehavior, and revealed 
the plans of the mob who were then prepared to tar and 
feather the Prophet and ride him on a rail. By the aid of 
the constable, Joseph was able to escape and make his way 
in safety to his sister's home, where he found his wife await- 
ing him. 

The Mob Threatens Joseph and Oliver. — A few days 
later Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery returned to Coles- 
vile to confirm those whom they had been forced to leave, at 
the time of Joseph's arrest. Their presence was the signal 
for the mobbers to again assemble. So sinister were their 
movements that Joseph and Oliver departed from the town 
without waiting for refreshments. Their enemies pursued 
them but through extreme diligence they were able to make 
their escape. All night they traveled, except for a short 
period when they sought some rest in sleep, each taking turn 
in watching. The next day they arrived home, footsore an 1 
weary. 

The spirit of opposition which took such decided form, 
was the result of agitation on the part of professors of re- 
ligion. The Rev. Shearer, Cyrus McMaster, Dr. Boying- 
ton and a Mr. Benton, pillars in the Presbyterian Church, 
incited the mobbers to do their work. Benton was the man 
who signed the first warrant for Joseph Smith's arrest as a 
"disorderly person" for preaching the Book of Mormon. In 
this manner Satan stirred up the hearts of the people to try 
and overthrow the work. 

Missionary Journey of Samuel H. Smith. — In the 
month of June, 1830, Samuel Harrison Smith was set apart 
by the Prophet to take a missionary journey to the east. This 
may be termed the first missionary journey in the Church. 
Takrng with him several copies of the Book of Mormon, he 
started on his way. The first day he traveled twenty-five 
miles, and on the way attempted to sell copies of the book, 
but without success. When night came on he went to an 



104 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

inn, faint and hungry ; approaching the proprietor he asked 
him if he did not want to buy a book which contained the 
history of the Indians. 

"I do not know," the man replied, "how did you get hold 
of it?" 

"It was translated by my brother, from some plates of 
gold, that he found buried in the earth," was Samuel's re- 
ply. 

"You liar !" said the landlord, "get out of my house, you 
shan't stay one minute with your books." 

Samuel was discouraged, but continued on his journey. 
That night he slept under an apple tree. In the morning he 
called at the home of Rev. John P. Greene, a Methodist min- 
ister. Mr. Greene was just leaving on a preaching tour, 
and like the others who had been approached, he was not 
interested in the book. However, he manifested a friendly 
spirit, and at the earnest solicitation of Samuel, consented 
to take a subscription paper and try to sell copies of the 
book. Thereupon Samuel left him a copy of the Book of 
Mormon with the understanding that he would call again 
in about two weeks. At the appointed time Samuel re- 
turned and was disappointed to learn that there had been no 
sale. On his way to the home of Mr. Greene, Samuel again 
passed the tavern. On the door was a small-pox sign. Mak- 
ing inquiry he learned that the tavern keeper had died from 
the effects of the disease. He returned home after his la- 
bors were finished, feeling that his work had proved to be 
fruitless. More out of curiosity than desire, both Mr. 
Greene and his wife read the book and were deeply im- 
pressed. The copy Samuel left with John P. Greene was 
placed by the latter in the hands of members of the Young 
family, which was the first direct information to Brigham 
Young and his brothers and some of their friends, including 
Heber C. Kimball, of the restoration of the Gospel. 

Joseph Smith, Sen., Visits Potsdam. — About this 
time Joseph Smith, Sen., and his youngest son, Don Carlos, 
departed on a similar journey to Potsdam, N. Y. Potsdam 



BEGINNING OF THE PUBLIC MINISTRY 105 

was the home of Asael Smith, father of Joseph Smith, Sen., 
and several of his children. Joseph was more successful 
on this trip than his son Samuel apparently had been, for 
his father Asael accepted the truth of the everlasting Gos- 
pel, as also did most of his children. Jesse, the oldest son 
of Asael, rejected the message of his brother Joseph and 
manifested a very bitter spirit against the Gospel all his 
life. 

Book of Moses Revealed. — During the summer of 
1830, the Lord revealed to the Church a number of im- 
portant revelations. In June, the Prophet received the words 
of the Lord to Moses, at a time when Moses was caught up 
into a high mountain where he talked with the Lord face to 
face. This revelation was augmented later by more of the 
writings of Moses, which are found in the Pearl of Great 
Price. Some of the important knowledge imparted in this 
revelation is as follows: The works of the Lord are with- 
out end. No man can behold all the works of the Father 
without partaking of his glory, and that cannot be given in 
mortal life. Moses was created in the similitude, or like- 
ness, of the Only Begotten Son. The generations of men 
passed before his view and he saw from the beginning to 
the end — all through the spiritual eye, for the natural eye 
cannot behold the glory of the Lord. After this vision had 
passed, Moses was left unto himself and it was several 
hours before he gained his natural strength. Then Satan 
came, tempting him and commanding him to worship him, 
but Moses said: "Who art thou? For behold, I am a son 
of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten Son; and 
where is thy glory, that I should worship thee ? For behold, 
I could not look upon God, except his glory should come 
upon me, and I were strengthened before him. But I can 
look upon thee in the natural man." Moreover, Moses said : 
"I will not cease to call upon God, I have other things to 
inquire of him; for his glory has been upon me, wherefore 
I can judge between him and thee. Depart hence, Satan." 
When Moses had said this Satan cried with a loud voice 



106 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

saying he was the Only Begotten. Then Moses feared ex- 
ceedingly but did not cease to call upon the Lord and there 
was opened to his vision the bitterness of hell, and in the 
strength of his power Moses again rebuked Satan, who with 
trembling and gnashing of teeth, departed from him. Moses 
bore record of all these things, but because of the wicked- 
ness of men it is not had among them. 

The Work and Glory of the Lord. — After this trying- 
scene the Lord again spoke with Moses who was com- 
missioned to deliver the people of Israel from bondage. His 
eyes were opened and he beheld many lands and their in- 
habitants without number. The Lord taught him, and ex- 
plained that there were many heavens and many earths 
like this on which we stand. They are innumerable to man, 
yet the Lord knows them all and they are numbered unto 
him. These earths were peopled by his childien, for his 
work and his glory are to bring to pass the immortality and 
eternal life of man. Therefore, as one earth and its accom- 
panying heaven shall pass away, having filled the measure 
of its creation, so shall others come. There is no end to 
the works and the words of the Father, for in this there is 
eternal progression. However, our knowledge, in the wisdom 
of the Lord, is, of necessity, limited to the earth on which 
we dwell. 

Other Important Revelations. — The information con- 
tained in this ancient scripture caused the hearts of the 
brethren to rejoice. The Lord continued to pour out knowl- 
edge upon them, here a little, and there a little, as they were 
able to receive it. Early in July (1830) another revelation 
was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, in Har- 
mony, Pennsylvania. They were commanded to return to 
the Saints in Colesville, Manchester and Fayette, and the 
members would support them. They should expound the 
scriptures and devote their time exclusively to the cause of 
Zion, and if the members should not support them in these 
labors, then would the Lord withdraw his blessings. "Be 
patient in affliction," said the Lord, "for thou shalt have 



BEGIXXIXG OF THE PUBLIC MIXISTRY l':~ 

many : but endure them, for lo, I am with thee, even unto the 
end of thy days." The afflictions surely came, for Joseph 
Smith was called on to suffer, as few men have had to suf- 
fer. He was to attend to his calling, for the Lord would 
withhold his power in temporal things that he should not 
have strength. 

Oliver Cowdery was also commanded to continue in the 
ministry and not suppose that he could say enough in the 
cause, and if he would be faithful the Lord would open his 
mouth and he should have strength such as is not known 
among men. This promise was fulfilled, for the Lord blessed 
Oliver in preaching to that extent that those who heard 
him were caused to quake and tremble." Power was given 
to these men to bless or curse : those who received them 
they were to bless, and from those who rejected them they 
were to withhold their blessing and to wash their feet 
against them as a testimony. Should any lay violent han is 
upon them, they should command them to be smitten, and 
the Lord would smite them in his own due time. They were 
to take neither purse nor scrip, neither two coats, as thev 
went forth to prune the vineyard, with a mighty pruning. 
"even for the last time." 

Emma Smith to Select Hymns. — In the same month 
('July. 1830) the Lord gave a revelation to Emma Smith. 
the wife of Joseph Smith, in which she was commanded not 
to murmur because of the things which she had not seen. 
As many other wives have thought, she could not under- 
stand why her husband should withhold from her a view 
of sacred things. The Lord assured her that it was for a 
wise purpose, in him, that these things were withheld, except 
from the few who were called to be witnesses to the world. 
She was called "an elect lady" whose duty it was to ex- 
pound scripture, and exhort the Church, as she was directed 
by the Spirit: but more especially was she called to assist 
her husband in writing and to be his scribe, that Oliver 



Statement of President Wilford Woodruff, '"Deseret News. 
March 3. 1889. 



108 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Cowdery might be relieved to attend to other duties. She 
was also chosen to make a selection of sacred hymns for 
the Church, "for," said the Lord, "my soul delighteth in 
the song of the heart, yea, the song of the righteous is a 
prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing 
upon their heads." If she would continue in meekness, 
and beware of pride, and keep the commandments of the 
Lord, she should receive a crown of righteousness ; except 
she did this, where the Lord was she should not come, which 
truth applied to all. 



CHAPTER 14 

THE PUBLIC MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH (2) 

1830 

Oliver Cowdery's Error. — Another revelation given in 
July, 1830, instructed Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery and 
John Whitmer, to devote their time to the study of the scrip- 
tures, to preaching and confirming the Church in Coles- 
ville, and performing such labors as should be required of 
them, until after they should go to the west to hold confer- 
ence. All things were to be done in the Church by common 
consent, in prayer and faith. Oliver Cowdery returned to 
Fayette and Joseph began to arrange the revelations ready 
for recording. In this work he was assisted by John Whit- 
mer. While they were thus engaged a letter was received 
from Oliver Cowdery commanding Joseph "in the name 
of God to erase" certain words from one of the revelations, 
"that no priestcraft be amongst us." Joseph immediately 
answered by letter that he could not alter the revelations of 
the Lord. It became necessary, however, for him to make 
a trip to Fayette to correct the error in Oliver's mind, for 
the latter had convinced several others that the revelation 
was wrong. After some difficulty and earnest prayer, they 
were all convinced that the words of the revelation were 
right, and peace again prevailed. 

Instructions on the Sacrament. — In the month of 
August, Newel Knight and his wife came to Harmony on 
a visit. As the wives of Newel Knight and Joseph Smith 
had neither of them been confirmed, that matter was at- 
tended to at this time. A meeting was held in which the 
four and John Whitmer participated, and desiring to par- 
take of the sacrament, Joseph set out to purchase some 
wine. He had not proceeded far from his door when he was 
met by an angel who gave him the following command- 
ment: 



1 10 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

''Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Lord, your 
God, and your Redeemer, whose word is quick and power- 
ful. For (behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what 
ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, when ye partake of the 
sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my 
glory ; remembering unto the Father my body which was 
laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the re- 
mission of your sins. Wherefore, a commandment I give 
unto you, that you shall not purchase wine, neither strong 
drink of your enemies: Wherefore, you shall partake of 
none, except it is made new among you ; yea, in this my 
Father's kingdom which shall be built up on the earth." 

This is one of the many important revelations (Doc. 
and Cov. Sec. 27) given to the Church. The knowledge 
that it matters not what we eat or drink, if we partake of 
the sacrament in the Spirit of the Lord and by divine author- 
ity, is the foundation for the present practice in the Church 
of using water instead of wine, for so the Lord has com- 
manded. 

In September the Lord added to this revelation stating 
that the time would come when he would "drink of the fruit 
of the vine" on the earth with the ancient prophets and 
apostles, from Michael, or Adam, the "ancient of days," down 
to our own day, including all the faithful whom the Father 
has given him out of the world. 

In obedience to the above commandment, they prepared 
wine of their own making and partook of the sacrament, 
confirming the two sisters as members of the Church. 

Joseph Moves to Fayette. — The spirit of persecution 
became so strong in Harmony, that Joseph Smith was 
forced to leave and take up his residence in Fayette. Even 
his father-in-law. Isaac Hale, turned against him because 
of the falsehoods which were circulated and the prejudice 
existing in the neighborhood. This bitterness he retained 
throughout his life. In August, Joseph and Hyrum Smi'h, 
with John and David Whitmer, went to Colesville and 
visited the members of the Church residing there. They 
prayed that the eyes of their enemies might be blinded, for 



THE PUBLIC MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH 111 

the enmity in Colesville was extreme. Their prayers were 
answered, and though they passed by a number of the most 
bitter of the mobocrats, who looked intently upon them, yet 
they were not recognized. In the evening of the day of 
their arrival — a meeting was held and those who had been 
previously baptized were all confirmed. They partook of 
the sacrament, sang and praised the Lord in testimony with- 
out molestation. The next morning the brethren took leave 
of the Saints in peace and in due time arrived home in 
safety. 

Spurious Revelations of Hiram Page. — Shortly after 
Joseph Smith made his home in Fayette, Satan commenced 
a subtle attack upon the work within the Church. Hiram 
Page, one of the eight witnesses, obtained a s:one wi h 
which he was receiving revelations purporting to be for the 
guidance of the Church ; but these revelations were at vari- 
ance with those given to Joseph Smith, and also with the 
teachings of the Savior and his apostles, as contained in the 
New Testament. Oliver Cowdery and members of the Whit- 
mer family were deceived. Through the Prophet the Lord 
gave a revelation to Oliver Cowdery in which the order of 
heaven, in regard to revelation, was pointed out for the 
guidance of the Church. "Behold, verily, verily, I say unto 
thee," said the Lord, "no one shall be appointed to receive 
commandments and revelations in this Church, excepting 
my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even 
as Moses.; and thou shalt be obedient unto the things which 
I shall give unto him, even as Aaron, to declare faithfully 
the commandments and the revelations, with power and au- 
thority in the Church." It was further stated that there 
should be none other appointed to receive revelations, un- 
til the Lord should appoint another in his stead, for he held 
the keys of this power. Oliver was instructed to take Hiram 
Page, alone, and tell him that the revelations he had received 
were not from the Lord, but were given through the power 
of Satan, who had deceived him. Oliver was also instructed 



1 12 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

that he was to write (by wisdom, but he was not to command 
him who was at the head. 

The Mission to the Lamanites. — The Lord, in this 
revelation, appointed Oliver Cowdery to take a mission to the 
Lamanites in the west, ''and inasmuch as they receive thy 
teachings," it read, "thou shalt cause my Church to be es- 
tablished among them.' , There were other reasons for this 
mission, which were not fully revealed. It is probable that 
in the spurious revelations of Hiram Page some reference 
was made to the building of the city Zion. In any case, the 
Lord explained that it was not revealed, and no man knew, 
where the city Zion shall be built, "but it shall be given 
hereafter. Behold, I say unto you, that it shall be on the 
borders of the Lamanites." This mission was not to be 
taken until after the conference which had been appointed 
for the 26th of September. Oliver was also first to settle 
the difficulty with Hiram Page, who was to be taught that 
he had not been appointed to receive revelations for the 
Church. 

The Doctrine of Gathering — Destruction of the Wick- 
ed. — Again the heavens were opened and the Lord made 
known many of his purposes and decrees which were for 
these latter days. A revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 29) was 
given shortly before the second conference of the Church, 
containing instruction which was helpful for the guidance of 
the elders at that conference. They were taught the doc- 
trine of the gathering of the Saints. The decree had gone 
forth from the mansions of the Father, that the Saints should 
be gathered into one place, for they were chosen out of the 
world, and they were to prepare their hearts against the day 
when tribulation and desolation would be sent forth upon 
the wicked. The hour is nigh, the Lord declared, when the 
earth should be ripe for destruction, for wickedness shall 
cease. 

Because of the wickedness of the world, for the inhabi- 
tants thereof will not repent, the Lord should send forth 
terrible plagues to torment mankind. Great hailstorms should 



THE PUBLIC MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH 113 

destroy the crops of the earth ; flies shall "take hold of the 
inhabitants" and eat their flesh ; their tongues shall be staid, 
and their flesh fall from their bones and their eyes from 
their sockets. The beasts of the forests, and the fowls of the 
air shall eat their bodies, and the great and abominable 
church, which shall endure until the end of unrighteousness 
on the earth, shall be cast down by devouring fire, as Ezekiel 
had said, for abomination must not reign. 

All these things were predicted by the apostles and must 
be fulfilled; and the twelve who were with the Savior in 
his ministry shall come in glory to judge the house of Is- 
rael who have been faithful, "and none else." The trump 
shall sound, the righteous dead will rise and Christ reign on 
the earth with his Saints for a thousand years. After the 
thousand years are ended, and men begin again to forsake 
the Lord, the earth shall be spared but for a little season. 
The final resurrection shall come ; the righteous received in 
to eternal life and the wicked banished to partake of the 
second death with the devil and his angels. The second 
death is that same death which was first pronounced on 
Adam — banishment from the presence of the Lord. Those 
who partake of it cannot return, for they have no power. 
Then shall come the redemption of the earth, for old things 
shall pass away and all things become new, yet not "one hair, 
neither mote, shall be lost" for it is the workmanship of the 
hands of the Lord. 

The Second Conference of the Church— According 
to appointment, on the 26th of September, the Church met 
in conference at Fayette. There were present eight elders, 
four priests and two teachers when the conference con- 
vened. Thirty- five persons had joined the Church, making 
a total of sixty-two in all. Joseph Smith opened the meet- 
ing with prayer and then read the fifth chapter of Isaiah, 
which speaks of the gathering, and made comments thereon. 
The matter of Hiram Page's "peepstone" was discussed 
and after considerable investigation, Hiram Page and all 
who were present, renounced the stone, and there was 



1 14 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

mutual satisfaction and happiness again. At this confer- 
ence, which continued for three days, the Spirit of the 
Lord was manifest; much business was attended to, and 
those previously baptized were confirmed. Special prayer 
was offered in behalf of Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whit- 
mer, Jr., who were called to go to the Lamanites. Peter 
Whitmer, Jr., was called by revelation at this conference to 
that mission. When the conference adjourned it was to 
meet January 1, 1831, and David Whitmer was appointed 
to keep the record. There were some baptisms during the 
conference and a number of the brethren were ordained. 

The Call to Ziba Peterson and Parley P. Pratt.— A 

great desire being made manifest on the part of others to ac- 
company Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer, Jr., to the 
Lamanites, it was made a matter of inquiry before the 
Lord. The result was that Ziba Peterson and Parley P. 
Pratt were also appointed to go. Ziba Peterson was among 
the first baptized and was an elder at the first conference of 
the Church. Parley P. Pratt was a resident of the wilder- 
ness of Ohio not far from the city of Cleveland. While on 
a missionary tour for the "Disciples" or "Campbellites," as 
they are called, and a visit to his former home in Columbia 
County, New York, he first heard of the Book of Mormon 
through a Baptist preacher by the name of Hamlin, who 
placed a copy in his hands. After reading it partly through 
Parley changed his plans and went to Manchester in search 
of the Prophet Joseph Smith. There he met Hyrum Smith 
who taught him the Gospel and presented him with a copy of 
the Book of Mormon which he again very carefully read. 
Late in August, with Hyrum Smith, he journeyed to Fay- 
ette, where he was baptized by Oliver Cowdery about the 
first of September. Shortly afterwards he was ordained an 
elder and then continued on his journey to his father's 
home. There he preached the Gospel to his parents and 
many of his boyhood friends. His younger brother, Orson, 
a youth 19 years of age, readily accepted his message and 
became a member of the Church. Returning to Fayette, Par- 



THE PUBLIC MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH 115 



ley P. Pratt was appointed by revelation to take the mis- 
sionary journey with Oliver Cowdery to the borders of Mis- 
souri, among the Lamanites. 

The Missionaries Depart. — In the fall of 1830, these 
four missionaries started on their journey to the west. On 
their way they preached the Gospel among the people as op- 
portunity would permit. Near Buffalo, New York, they 
visited the Catteraugus Indians and left two copies of the 
Book of Mormon with members of the tribe who could read, 
and then continued on their journey. When they came 
to Kirtland, Ohio, near the home of Elder Pratt, they tar- 
ried for some time. Parley P. Pratt was acquainted with 
Mr. Sidney Rigdon, one of the leaders of the "Disciples," 
who with Alexander Campibell and Walter Scott, had been 
instrumental in the founding of that sect. They believed in 
the doctrines of faith, repentance and baptism for the re- 
mission of sins ; but accepted the Bible as the only guide un- 
to salvation. Convinced that the religious world had gone 
astray, these men had formed this organization with sin- 
cere desire to follow close- 
ly the teachings of the 
early disciples of the Lord. 
Through his preaching Sid- 
ney Rigdon had converted 
many souls unto this faith. 

Parley P. Pratt, be- 
lieving that many of the 
"Disciples" would readily 
receive the truth, had per- 
suaded his fellow mission- 
aries to spend some time 
among them in Ohio 
where they were located on 
what was called the "Wes- 
tern Reserve." 

Sidney Rigdon. — The 
first house at which they Sidney rigdon 




1 16 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

called, in Mentor, was the home of Sidney Rigdon. After 
the usual greetings, they presented Mr. Rigdon with a copy 
of the Book of Mormon, stating that it contained the rec- 
ord of the ancient people of America, and that the Lord 
had again established his Church in the earth with the au- 
thority of the Holy Priesthood. This was the first time 
Sidney Rigdon had heard of the Book of Mormon and of 
Joseph Smith. Replying to their statements, he said he 
had the Bible, which he believed to be the word of God ; as 
for the Book of Mormon, he had considerable doubt of its 
divinity. He refused to argue with them, but promised to 
read the book. At their earnest solicitation Sidney Rigdon 
allowed the elders to hold meetings in his chapel. A large 
congregation assembled and gave close attention to the re- 
marks of the elders. At the conclusion of the services Sid- 
ney Rigdon instructed the people to consider carefully the 
remarkable things they had heard, lest it should prove to be 
the truth. With deep and earnest study, he read the con- 
tents of the Book of Mormon, praying for divine guidance, 
and in the course of about two weeks, he received a mani- 
festation so that he could say, "Flesh and blood hath not re- 
vealed it unto me, but my Father, which is in heaven." He 
and his wife were then baptized and also many of his con- 
gregation. 

In Kirtland the elders were also successful. The people 
besieged the missionaries both day and night, until they had 
very little time for rest. The greater number heard the tid- 
ings gladly, but some, there were, who came to dispute and 
oppose the work of the Lord. In a very short time branches 
of the Church were established numbering in all about one 
thousand souls. 

The Journey Continued. — The missionary elders con- 
tinued on their journey after a stay of two or three weeks 
in Kirtland, leaving a number of the new converts to con- 
tinue with the work. Sidney Rigdon, Frederick G. Wil- 
liams, Isaac Morley, John Murdock, Lyman Wight and Ed- 



THE PUBLIC MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH 117 

ward Partridge later became members of the Church and 
were ordained to the Priesthood. 

Having accomplished this great work, and leaving watch- 
men for the tender flock, the missionaries took Dr. Fred- 
erick G. Williams with them. About fifty miles west of 
Kirtland, they passed through the country where Parley 
P. Pratt first made settlement in the western country. Here, 
again, they made a stop and preached the Gospel. The 
people were all excited over the things they had heard, for 
the knowledge of the labors of the brethren had preceded 
them. Other converts were made, including Simeon Carter, 
and although some opposition and bitterness was manifest, 
in the course of a short time a branch was raised up number- 
ing about sixty souls. Arriving near the border of Ohio, the 
missionaries spent some days among the Wyandots, who 
received them kindly and rejoiced in the story of their fath- 
ers as they learned it from the Book of Mormon. In the 
city of Cincinnati they spent several days, and being dis- 
appointed in not being able to take boat, continued on their 
journey afoot to St. Louis. In the midst of winter weather, 
and suffering great hardships in a country little traveled 
by man, they pursued their journey till they arrived at In- 
dependence, Jackson County, Missouri, at that time scarcely 
more than a trading post on the borders of the United 
States. They reached Independence early in the year 1831 ; 
their journey had taken them a distance of nearly fifteen hun- 
dred miles, through a wilderness, in the most inclement sea- 
son of the year. Four months had they been upon the 
journey, but during that time they had preached the Gospel 
to many thousands of white people and two nations of In- 
dians. Churches had been built up and the work advanced 
along the route of their travels. This was the first mis- 
sionary journey west of the state of New York, and its re- 
sults were to be of incalculable benefit to the Church in 
years to come. 

The Book of Mormon Taken to the Lamanites. — In 
the land of the Lamanites, the elders preached the Gospel to 



1 18 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

the Delawares, presenting them with the Book of Mormon 
which they received with rejoicing. Oliver Cowdery ex- 
plained to them in detail the coming forth of the Book ot 
Mormon. A Mr. Pool, who believed the testimony of these 
elders, became their interpreter. Several of the Indians 
could read, and to them they gave copies of the Book of 
Mormon. The Indians answered them by sayflig : "We feel 
thankful to our white friends who have come so far, and 
been at such pains to tell us good news, and especially this 
new news concerning the book of our forefathers ; it makes 
us glad in here," and the speaker for the tribe placed his 
hand on his heart. This good labor, however, was not to 
last, for the excitement reached the settlements in Missouri, 
and due to the efforts of sectarian priests the Indian agents 
ordered the missionaries out of the Indian country as dis- 
turbers of the peace, threatening to use military force in 
case of non-compliance. With disappointment they with- 
drew and thus ended the first mission to the Lamanites. 
From this time on they devoted their labors to the white 
people in Jackson County. However, they had declared the 
message of salvation to three great tribes, the Catteraugus, 
in New York, the Wyandots of Ohio, and the Delawares, 
west of Missouri. 

It was now decided that Parley P. Pratt should return 
to Kirtland, and perhaps to New York to report their labors, 
visit the branches they had organized on their journey, and 
procure more books. In February he started on his journey, 
alone. In Kirtland he met the Prophet, who had come to 
that place, and to him he made a report. 



PART THREE 

The Ohio and Missouri Period 



CHAPTER 15 



REMOVAL OF THE CHURCH IN NEW YORK TO 

OHIO 

1830—1831 

"A Crooked Generation." — In October 1830, Ezra 
Thayer and Northrop Sweet were called by revelation, as 
they had sought the will of the Lord, to preach the Gospel 
unto ''a crooked and perverse generation." "My vineyard," 
declared the Lord, "has become corrupt every whit; and 
there is none which doth good save it be a few; and they 
err in many instances because of priestcrafts ; all having 
corrupt minds. And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this 
Church have I established and called forth out of the wilder- 
ness: and even so will I gather mine elect from the four 
quarters of the earth, even as many as will believe in me, and 
hearken unto my voice." 

Call of Edward Partridge and Orson Pratt. — In No- 
vember Orson Pratt, the younger brother of Parley P. Pratt, 
who had been baptized by his brother Parley a few weeks 
earlier in Canaan, Columbia County, N. Y., came to Fayette 
to learn the will of the Lord concerning himself. In the 
following December Sidney Rigdon came from Ohio on a 
similar visit, bringing with him a young man named Edward 
Partridge, who was not a member of the Church. Edward 
Partridge, the day after his arrival, satisfied with what he 
had seen and heard, was baptized by Joseph Smith and 
later was confirmed by Sidney Rigdon. Both of these young- 
men, Orson Pratt and Edward Partridge, were called to 
labor in the ministry and received the commendation and 
blessing of the Lord for their faith and desire to serve him. 



120 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

"And this commandment," said the Lord, "shall be given 
unto the elders of my Church, that every man which will 
embrace it with singleness of heart, may be ordained 
and sent forth, even as I have spoken." 

Sidney Rigdon to Write. — Sidney Rigdon was com- 
manded to be a companion to Joseph Smith and to "for- 
sake him not ;" moreover, he was to write for him, "and the 
scriptures shall be given, even as they are in mine own 
bosom, to the salvation of mine elect," was the word of 
the Lord to him. 

Lost Scriptures Restored. — By commandment of the 
Lord, a revision of the scriptures by inspiration had al- 
ready commenced. Much conjecture frequently occurred 
among the Saints regarding scripture mentioned in the Bi- 
ble that could not be found. They had learned in the read- 
ing of the Book of Mormon, "that many plain and precious 
things" had been taken away from the Bible as it went 
forth among the Gentiles. Many of these the Lord promised 
to restore. From time to time, as their labors would per- 
mit, the Prophet received by revelation these scriptures 
which, were lost, and Sidney Rigdon wrote for him. 
Shortly after the coming of Sidney Rigdon to Fayette, the 
Lord revealed the writings of Enoch, spoken of by Jude, 
which caused much rejoicing among the Saints. These 
revelations now form a part of the Book of Moses, in the 
Pearl of Great Price. 

Command to Go to Ohio. — Soon after the restora- 
tion of the words of Enoch, the Lord commanded that the 
correction of the scriptures should cease until Joseph Smith 
and companions could remove to Ohio. Such a step was 
necessary, the Lord declared, "because of the enemy and 
for your sakes." However, they were not to go in haste, 
but first to strengthen the several branches of the Church 
in New York ; especially that at Colesville, where the mem- 
bers exercised much faith. Not only were Joseph and the 
brethren with him to go to Ohio, but the Lord instructed 
all the Saints in New York also to journey there, "against 



REMOVAL OF THE CHURCH TO OHIO 121 




MAP OF OHIO 



the time" when Oliver Cowdery should return from the 
Lamanites. 

Conference of January, 1831. — In January, 1831, a con- 
ference was held in Fayette. Ordinary business was trans- 
acted and a revelation given in which the Lord made known 
the reason for the removal of the Church to the West. (Doc. 
and Cov. Sec. 38.) "All eternity is pained," the revelation 
read, "and the angels are waiting the great command to» 
reap down the earth, to gather the tares that they may be 
burned." This was because "all flesh is corrupted" and the 
powers of darkness prevail. The Lord revealed that the 
wicked were plotting in secret chambers the destruction, 
of Joseph Smith and the Church. However, he would lead 
the Saints, to a land of promise, and they and their children 
after them should possess it forever, if they would seek it 
with all their hearts as an inheritance. This reference was. 
to Zion, the location of which the Lord. %<i not yet revealed.. 



122 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

They were commanded to assemble in Ohio, and there he 
would give unto them his law and these things should be 
made known. They were to dispose of their property as 
best they could; farms that could not be sold should be 
rented, and men of wisdom were to be appointed to look 
after the interests of the poor and needy and send them 
forth to the place the Lord commanded them. 

In the latter part of January, Joseph Smith and his wife, 
accompanied by Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge, 
moved to Kirtland. They were welcomed there by Newel 
K. Whitney, and Joseph and his wife remained in the 
Whitney home for several weeks receiving every kindness 
and attention which could be shown in Christian love. 

The Branch in Kirtland. — The branch of the Church 
in Kirtland had been living according to a plan called 
"common stock" or the holding of all property in common. 
This arrangement had been in practice before they joined 
the Church, but false spirits crept in among them causing 
them to receive strange notions in variance with the Gospel 
plan. With a little caution and exercise of wisdom, the 
Prophet persuaded them to abandon this plan and their dif- 
ficulties were removed. 

The Law Given to Govern the Church. — On the fourth 
of February, the Lord gave direction by revelation that the 
elders of the Church should assemble together to agree on 
his word ; for he would give them his law by which the 
Church was to be governed. Instructions were also given 
that Joseph Smith should have a house built wherein he 
could live and translate, and receive the ancient scriptures 
from the Lord. Edward Partridge was to receive the of- 
fice of bishop in the Church and to spend all his time in 
that ministry, leaving his merchandise, to labor in the inter- 
ests of the members of the Church. 

At Kirtland, on the 9th of February, in the presence of 
twelve elders, the Lord revealed his law by which the 
Church was to be governed, according to the promise given 
jn Fayette. This important revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 



REMOVAL OF THE CHURCH TO OHIO 123 

42) may be termed a code of laws for the government and 
guidance of the members of the Church. Their attitude to- 
wards the law of the land as well as the moral law was 
clearly established. As members of the Church they were 
to keep the Church covenants and articles, and the Lord 
would reveal unto them, from time to time, other cove- 
nants sufficient to establish them in Ohio and later in the 
New Jerusalem, or city of Zion, the site of which would 
presently be revealed. The duties of the bishop and other 
officers in the Church were defined. Idlers were con- 
demned ; for, said the Lord, "the idler shall not eat the bread 
nor wear the garments of the laborer." The Bible and the 
Book or Mormon were to be the standards on doctrine, and 
they who have not the Spirit were not to teach. The man- 
ner of administering to the sick was explained, and the 
Saints instructed to live together in love This is one of 
the very important revelations given to the Church. 

A Woman's "Revelation." — Soon after this revelation 
was given a woman named Hubble came among the people 
pretending to have revelations, and professing to be a 
prophetess of the Lord. By declaring that the Book of 
Mormon was the word of the Lord, and appearing to be 
very righteous, she deceived some of the Saints. 

For the benefit of the members a revelation was re- 
ceived by Joseph Smith in which the Church was instructed 
to hearken to him, for there was none otVier appointed to 
receive revelations for the Church, and none other should 
be appointed while he lived, if he remained true to his trust. 
This commandment had previously been given, when Hiram 
Page was led into error ; but it seemed the Lord must speak 
again on this point before the Saints could understand. The 
members of the Church were instructed to purge them- 
selves from all iniquity, and the Lord would give them 
knowledge, even the mysteries of his kingdom would be 
revealed, if they would sustain and assist Joseph Smith. The 
elders were instructed to go forth and preach the Gospel, 



124 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

laboring in the vineyard for the last time, for the Lord would 
shortly come upon the earth in judgment. 

Important Revelations to The Church. — During the 
spring and summer of 1831, a number of important revela- 
tions were received. On March 7, the Lord made known 
many things (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 45) pertaining to his 
second coming and the signs of the times. After revealing 
in clearness the teachings given to his -disciples in Jerusalem, 
relative to the destruction of the temple, the scattering of 
the Jews, and the signs which should precede his second 
coming, he made known many things which should take 
place in the day in which we live. He spoke of the signs 
and wonders ; of the gathering of the Jews ; the darkening 
of the sun and the bathing of the moon in blood; of his 
second coming and his judgments upon the nations ; the re- 
demption of the Jews, who shall look upon him whom they 
have pierced; the binding of Satan; the millennial reign, 
and the redemption of heathen nations and those who knew 
no law. 

Zion a Place of Refuge. — Zion, the New Jerusalem, 
shall be built and there the righteous shall come to Zion from 
among all nations, singing songs of everlasting joy. They 
will be the only people who will not be at war, and every 
man who will not take up his sword against his neighbor, 
must flee to Zion for safety. Such is to be the condition 
of the world before the coming of the Lord. 

John Whitmer, Historian. — In another revelation 
John Whitmer was appointed to keep the records of the 
Church, and assist Joseph Smith in transcribing all things 
given for the history. 

"For," said the revelation, "Oliver Cowdery I have ap- 
pointed to another office. Wherefore it shall be given him 
(Whitmer) in as much as he is faithful, by the Comforter, 
to write these things." 

The Purchase of Lands. — As the Saints in New York 
had been commanded to settle in Ohio, the residents in 
that place were instructed to impart of their lands, as they 



REMOVAL OF THE CHURCH TO OHIO 125 

were able to do, for the benefit of their brethren from the 
east for it was needful that they should remain in Ohio for 
a time. Eventually, however, it was expected that they 
would move farther westward, and the members of the 
Church were to save their money for the purpose of buy- 
ing lands for an inheritance in the city Zion, when the lo- 
cation of that place should be revealed. This information 
should be made known when the brethren arrived from the 
east, for to them it was to be revealed. "And they shall 
be appointed to purchase the lands, and to make a com- 
mencement to lay the foundation of the city, and then shall 
you begin to be gathered with your families, every man 
according to his family — as is appointed to him by the presi- 
dency and the bishop of the Church." 

Equality Among the Families. — In the month of May 
the Saints from New York commenced to arrive in Ohio, 
and it fell to the lot of Bishop Partridge to assign to them 
their lands. They were to be made equal according to their 
families and their needs. The head of each family was to 
receive a certificate to secure him and his portion and in- 
heritance in the Church. Should a man transgress, after 
receiving his portion and standing, he was not to have 
power to claim that portion which had been consecrated to 
the bishop for the use of the poor and needy of the Church ; 
but he could retain that portion which was deeded to him. 
A storehouse was to be provided and the substance of the 
people, more than needful for individual use, was to be 
placed therein, for the wants of the people, to be kept by 
the bishop, who was to distribute it as the necessities of the 
people should demand. In this manner the doctrine of con- 
secration was partially put into practice, as a preparatory step 
before the members of the Church should go to Zion — for 
in Zion the law of the united order, or consecration of 
properties, was the law upon which that city should be 
built. "And thus I grant unto this people," the Lord de- 
clared, with reference to the New York Saints, "a privilege 
of organizing themselves according to my laws ; and I con- 



126 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

secrate unto them this land for a little season, until I, the 
Lord, shall provide for them otherwise, and command them 
to go hence." 

The Important Conference of June 1831. — In the 
month of February the Lord had commanded that word 
be sent out to the elders of the Church calling them from 
the east and from the west; from the north and from the 
south ; to meet in conference and receive instruction. Ac- 
cordingly, a conference was set for June 3, which convened 
at Kirtland and continued until the sixth. The Spirit of 
the Lord was displayed in a marvelous way, and the power 
of the evil one, which was made manifest in opposition to 
the work, was successfully rebuked. 

The First High Priests Ordained. — At this confer- 
ence the first high priests in this dispensation were or- 
dained. Lyman Wight, John Murdock, Reynolds Cahoon, 
Harvey Whitlock and Hyrum Smith, were ordained to the 
office of high priest, by Joseph Smith the Prophet; Joseph 
Smith, Sen., Joseph Smith the Prophet, Parley P. Pratt, 
Thomas B. Marsh, Isaac Morley, Edward Partridge, Joseph 
M^akefield, Martin Harris, Ezra Thayer, Ezra Booth, John 
Corrill, Samuel H. Smith, John Whitmer and Sidney Rig- 
don, were ordained to the office of high priest, under the 
hands of Lyman Wight. Edward Partridge, the bishop of 
the Church, then blessed those who had been ordained. John 
Corrill and Isaac Morley were then sustained and ordained 
as assistants, or counselors, to Bishop Whitney, under the 
hands of Lyman Wight. All this was done by command- 
ment from the Lord. 

The Mission of John. — During the conference, Joseph 
Smith the Prophet was led to say, "that John the Revelator 
was then among the ten tribes of Israel who had been led 
away by Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, to prepare them 
for their return from their long dispersion." 

The Elders Called to Missouri. — The spirit of proph- 
ecy was abundantly manifest and during the sessions of this 
conference a number of revelations were received. Many of 



REMOVAL OF THE CHURCH TO OHIO 127 

the elders were called to take their journey through the 
western country, going two by two, preaching the Gospel, 
and were to assemble again in Jackson County, Missouri, 
where the next conference was to be held. The Lord said 
to them: ''And thus, even as I have said if ye are faithful, 
ye shall assemble yourselves together to rejoice upon the 
land of Missouri, which is the land of your inheritance, 
which is now the land of your enemies. But, behold, I the 
Lord, will hasten the city in its time, and will crown the 
faithful with joy and with rejoicing." 

The Thompson Branch. — The members of the Church 
from Colesville, New York, on their arrival in Ohio, 
were located at a place called Thompson, about sixteen 
miles northwest of Kirtland. Here, as we have learned, 
they were directed to live according to the Lord's law, that 
is, the order of stewardship and consecration of properties. 
Among these people there resided a man named Leman 
Copley, who was a membe*- of the "Shaking Quakers" be- 
fore he joined the Church. He owned a large tract of land 
which he agreed to turn over to the Colesville branch to oc- 
cupy in this manner of stewardship, agreeable with the 
revelation they had received. It appears that Copley had 
not been fully converted to the Gospel and he, with some 
others, later rebelled and broke the covenant of consecra- 
tion. This caused confusion among the Colesville Saints 
and placed them at the mercy of their enemies, as well as m 
jeopardy before the Lord. In their distress they sent Newel 
Knight, who was in charge of the branch at Thompson, to 
the Prophet to learn what they should do. The Lord spoke 
unto them saying that their covenant had been broken and 
therefore was of no effect, and it would have been bettej 
for the one who was responsible for the offense, "had he 
been drowned in the depth of the sea." The members of 
the branch were now commanded to journey to Missouri, 
"unto the borders of the Lamanites," and there they were 
to seek "a living like unto men," until the Lord might pre- 
pare a place for them. Almost immediately they took their 



128 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

departure under the guidance of Newel Knight, for Mis- 
souri. 

A Letter from Missouri. — A few days following the 
conference a letter was received from Oliver Cowdery, 
dated May 7, giving an account of the labors of himself and 
companions in Missouri. He spoke of their labors among 
the Lamanites, and of a tribe of "Navashoes" farther to the 
west, near Santa Fe. Almost the whole country where he 
and his fellow laborers were located, he declared, consisted 
of "Universalists, Atheists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Bap- 
tists, and other professing Christians, priests and people; 
with all the devils from the infernal pit, united and foam- 
ing out their shame," against the elders of the Church. 
Then he adds : "God forbid that I should bring a railing ac- 
cusation against them, for vengeance belongs to him who 
is able to pay." His expressed opinion of these inhabitants 
of the border land was all too true, as events immediately to 
follow will attest. 

The Mission to the West. — About the middle of June 
(1831) the elders who were appointed at the conference, 
commenced their journey westward, traveling two by two. 
Ezra Thayer, the companion chosen for Thomas B. Marsh 
failed to go. Selah J. Griffin was appointed to go in his 
stead. On the 19th of June, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rig- 
don, Martin Harris, Edward Partridge, William W. Phelps, 
Joseph Coe, and Algernon Sidney Gilbert, took up their 
journey for Missouri. All these missionaries, and others 
not here mentioned, commenced their travels with great 
anticipation of what the result would be. Their destina- 
tion was the "land of their inheritance," where Zion — the 
New Jerusalem — should be built. The Lord had promised 
that the site for this holy city should be revealed to them at 
their journey's end. 



CHAPTER 16 

THE LAND OF ZION— ITS DEDICATION 
1831 

Character of Inhabitants. — About the middle of July, 
1831, the missionaries commenced to arrive in western 
Missouri, and were met with tears of joy by their brethren 
there. Here, on the borders of the United States, had 
gathered renegades from the east ; lawless and vile outcasts, 
who had been forced to flee to the west for safety. "How 
natural it was," wrote the Prophet, "to observe the degra- 
dation, leanness of intellect, ferocity, and jealousy, of a 
people that were nearly a century behind the times." 

First Sabbath in Zion.— The first Sabbath (July 17, 
1831), the elders spent in Jackson County, William W. 
Phelps preached a public discourse. His congregation was 
composed of "specimens of all the families of the earth." 
After this meeting two persons, who had previously be- 
lieved, were baptized. 

Arrival of the Colesville Branch. — A few days later 
the members of the Colesville branch, from Thompson, 
Ohio, arrived in Missouri and were located on lands in Kaw 
township, where a portion of Kansas City is now built. 

Assignment of Labors. — The duty devolved on the 
Prophet to assign the labors to the several elders who were 
to remain in the Land. Some_ of them were called by 
revelation to make their permanent settlement in Missouri, 
while others were instructed to return to the eastern lands, 
after their mission in the west was finished. William W. 
Phelps, who joined the Church at the time the little band 
of missionaries were leaving Ohio for Missouri, had pre- 
viously been instructed by the Lord (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 55) 
to engage with Oliver Cowdery, in the work of printing and 
selecting and writing books for schools in the Church, that 
"little children also may receive instruction" which would be 

10 



130 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

pleasing to the Lord. Upon his arrival in Jackson County, 
this commandment was repeated. 

Algernon Sidney Gilbert was appointed to act as agent 
for the Church in receiving moneys and buying lands on 
which the Saints might locate. Edward Partridge was to 
act in his calling as bishop of the Church. His great duty 
was to divide the inheritances of the members, severally, 
according to their needs. In this manner duties were as- 
signed to each of those expected to remain as a nucleus for 
the building up of Zion (Doc. and Cov. Sections 57-58). 

Location of the City Revealed. — As the Lord had 
promised, he now fulfilled. In answer to the questions: 
"When will the wilderness blossom as the rose? When 
will Zion be built up in her glory, and where will thy temple 
stand, unto which all nations shall come in the last days?" 
the Lord gave the following: 

"Hearken, O ye elders of my Church, saith the Lord 
your God, who have assembled yourselves together, accord- 
ing to my commandments, in this land, which is the land 
of Missouri, which is the land which I have appointed and 
consecrated for the gathering of the Saints : wherefore this 
is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion. 
And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wis- 
dom, here is wisdom : behold, the place which is now called 
Independence, is the center place, and the spot for the 
temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from 
the court house. Wherefore it is wisdom that the land should 
be purchased by the Saints ; and also every tract lying west- 
ward even unto the line running directly between Jew 
and Gentile. And also every tract bordering by the prairies, 
inasmuch as my disciples are enabled to buy lands. Behold, 
this is wisdom, that they may obtain it for an everlasting in- 
heritance" (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 57). 

The Saints to Keep the Law. — In another revelation 
(Doc. and Cov. Sec. 58) given at this time, the members 
of the Church were commanded to keep the law the Lord 
had given them, as well as to observe the laws of the land. 
"Let no man think he is ruler," it read, "but let God rule 



THE LAND OF ZION 131 

him that judgeth, according to the counsel of his own will ; 
or, in other words, him that counseleth or sitteth upon the 
judgment seat. Let no man break the laws of the land, for 
he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the 
laws of the land: wherefore, be subject to the powers that 
be, until he reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues 
all enemies under his feet." 

After Much Tribulation, the Blessings. — That Zion 
was to be established and the city built at once, was evi- 
dently the idea possessed by some of the Saints ; moreover, 
that they were at liberty to establish their own laws, in- 
dependent of all else. Hence the instructions as here given 
by the Lord regarding the keeping of the law. The Lord had 
warned them previously and given instruction in regard to 
their duties and requirements in that land. That the city 
was not to be built at that time is indicated in his word: 
"Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present 
time, the design of your God concerning those things which 
shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after 
much tribulation. For after much tribulation cometh the 
blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned 
with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand. 
Remember this, which I tell you before, that you may lay 
it to heart, and receive that which shall follow. Behold, 
verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you that 
you might be obedient, and that your hearts might be pre- 
pared to bear testimony of the things which are to come and 
also that you might be honored of laying the foundation, 
and of bearing record of the land upon which the Zion of 
God shall stand" (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 58). 

From this we see that the glory and greatness of the city 
Zion was reserved for the future ; although in the scriptural 
sense, the time "is nigh at hand." These early settlers were 
to lay the foundation, and prepare the way for the Saints, 
who were yet to come, after the preaching of the Gospel 
"to the uttermost parts of the earth ;" for the elders were 
to "push the people together from the ends of the earth." 






132 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

It was a great honor conferred upon the first laborers in the 
vineyard, if they would be faithful to every command. 

Dedication of the Land. — The Colesville Saints were 
located in Kaw township. The Prophet assisted them in 
laying the first log, "for a house, as a foundation of Zion" 
in that place. The log was carried by twelve men repre- 
senting the twelve tribes of Israel. At' the same time it 
was made manifest through prayer that the land should be 
consecrated and dedicated by Sidney Rigdon. "It was a 
season of joy," the Prophet said, "to those present, and af- 
forded a glimpse of the future, which time will yet unfold 
to the satisfaction of the faithful." All this took place on 
the second day of August, 1831. 

Sidney Rigdon, according to his appointment, stood up 
and asked: 

"Do you receive this land for the land of your inherit- 
ance, with thankful hearts, from the Lord?" 

"We do." 

"Do you pledge yourselves to keep the law of God on 
this land, which you never have kept in your own lands ?" 

"We do." 

"Do you pledge yourselves to see that others of your 
brethren who shall come hither do keep the laws of God?" 

"We do." 

After prayer, Elder Rigdon arose and said : "I now pro- 
nounce this land consecrated and dedicated unto the Lord 
for a possession and inheritance for the Saints, and for all 
the faithful servants of the Lord, to the uttermost ages of 
time, in the name of Jesus Christ, having authority from 
him. Amen" (Documentary History of the Church, Vol. 1, 
p. 196). 

Description of the Land. — In addition to the appoint- 
ment to dedicate the land, Sidney Rigdon was also called 
by revelation to write a description of it, to bd sent "unto all 
the churches." One object of this description was to stir 
up the Saints to donate for the purchase of the lands, by 
placing in the hands of the bishop money for that purpose. 



THE LAND OF ZION 133 

Those who would do this should be given an inheritance, for 
Zion was to be built by purchase ; otherwise they could not 
obtain it except by the shedding" of blood, which was forbid- 
den. The first description written was rejected by the 
Lord, and Sidney Rigdon was commanded to write an- 
other. 

The Future Glory of Zion. — Many of the ancient 
prophets spoke of Zion and her glory. Isaiah declared that 
in the latter days "out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the 
word of the Lord from Jerusalem," in that day when swords 
will be made into plowshares, and spears into pruning- 
hooks. a Moreover, again he prophesied, saying : 

"For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee 
shall perish ; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. The 
glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the 
pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my 
sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious. 
The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bend- 
ing unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow 
themselves down at the soles of thy feet ; and they shall call 
thee, The city of the Lord, The Zion of the Holy one of 
Israel. Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so 
that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal 
excellency, a joy of many generations. * * * For brass 
I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for 
wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy of- 
ficers peace, and thine exactors righteousness. Violence 
shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction 
within thy borders; but thou shall call thy walls Salvation, 
and thy gates Praise. The sun shall be no more thy light 
by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light 
unto thee; but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting 
light, and thy God thy glory. Thy son shall no more go 
down ; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself ; for the Lord 
shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourn- 
ing shall be ended. Thy people also shall be all righteous ; 
they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of my plant- 
ing, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. A little 



olsaiah 2:1-4 



134 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong na- 
tion : I the Lord will hasten it in his time." b 

Dedication of the Temple Site. — On the 3rd day of 

August, Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, 
Edward Partridge, William W. Phelps, Martin Harris and 
Joseph Coe, met on a spot a little west of the Independence 
court house, and there they dedicated the site for the great 
temple of the latter days. The 87th Psalm was read, and 
the scene was most impressive ; for here the house of the 
Lord was to be reared in the holy city Zion, which had been 
spoken of by ancient seers, from whence should go forth 
the law to the ends of the earth. 

First Conference in Zion. — On the 4th day of August 
(1831) the first conference in that land was held at the 

Hsaiah 60:12-22. 

The following reference to Zion,, or the New Jerusalem, is 
from the prophecy of Ether; Book of Mormon, Ether, 13th 
chapter: 

"Behold Ether saw the day of Christ, and he spake con- 
cerning a New Jerusalem upon this land. And he spake also 
concerning the house of Israel, and the Jerusalem from whence 
Lehi should come — after it should be destroyed it should be 
built up again, a holy city unto the Lord; wherefore, it could 
not be a new Jerusalem for it had been in a time of old; but 
it should be built unto the house of Israel. And that a New 
Jerusalem should be built upon this land, unto the remnant of 
the seed of Joseph, for which things there has been a type. 
For as Joseph brought his father down into the land of Egypt, 
even so he died there; wherefore, the Lord brought a remnant 
of the seed of Joseph out of the land of /Jerusalem, that he 
might be merciful unto the seed of Joseph that they should 
perish not, even as he was merciful unto the father of Joseph 
that he should perish not. Wherefore the remnant of the house 
of Joseph shall be built upon this land; and it shall be a land 
of their inheritance; and they shall build up a holy city unto 
the Lord,, like unto the Jerusalem of old; and they shall no more 
be confounded, until the end come when the earth shall pass 
away. And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth; and 
they shall be like unto the old, save the old have passed away, 
and all things have become new. And then cometh the New 
Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell therein, for it is 
they whose garments are white through the blood of the Lamb; 
and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of 
the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel." 



THE LAND OF ZION 135 

home of Joshua Lewis, in Kaw township. The members of 
the Colesville branch formed the greater part of the congre- 
gation — a total of thirty-one souls. The Spirit of the Lord 
was with them and they rejoiced. Sidney Rigdon preached 
and exhorted the Saints "to obedience to the requisition of 
heaven," that they might be planted in their inheritances in 
Zion. Ziba Peterson, who had been silenced for wrong- 
doing, humbled himself and made confession ; by unanimous 
vote he was reinstated. Joseph Smith addressed the con- 
ference and admonished the people to be true to their cove- 
nants that they might receive the blessings.. 

A Commandment and a Promised Blessing. — On the 
7th, Polly Knight wife of Joseph Knight, Sen., died ; she had 
been in failing health while on the westward journey. The 
same day the Prophet received a revelation of command- 
ment and blessing to the Saints, in which they were ad- 
monished again to keep the commandments of the Lord. 
Their course of action was pointed out for them with a 
statement that all who had come up to the land to keep the 
commandments should be blessed ; if they lived they should 
inherit the earth ; if they died they should rest in the man- 
sions of the Father. On the Lord's day they were to rest 
from all labor and assemble in the house of prayer to par- 
take of the sacrament and confess their sins (Doc. and 
Cov. Sec. 59). 

The Return to Kirtland.— On the 9th day of August 
Joseph Smith and the elders who were to return, 
started on their journey back to Kirtland. They traveled 
down the Missouri River towards St. Louis. On the third 
day out they encountered some of the dangers common on 
these waters. At a place called Mcllwaine's Bend, William 
W. Phelps, in open vision, saw the destroyer in his power, 
riding upon the waters. The next morning the Prophet 
Joseph received a revelation in confirmation of the vision of 
Elder Phelps. 

Dangers on the Waters. — The Lord revealed (Doc. 
and Cov. Sec. 61) to Joseph Smith the great dangers that 



136 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

would be upon the waters in these latter days. "Behold, I, 
the Lord, in the beginning blessed the waters, but in the 
last days, by the mouth of my servant John, I cursed the 
waters. Wherefore, the days will come that no flesh shall 
be safe upon the waters. * * * I, the Lord, have de- 
creed, and the destroyer rideth upon the face thereof, and 
I revoke not the decree." It was further stated that the 
time would come when none would dare go upon the waters 
but those who were pure in heart, and the elders were coun- 
seled to travel by other means than by the rivers, that their 
faith fail not. , 

Object of the Mission to Zion. — On the 27th day of 
August Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon 
arrived in Kirtland ; others of the elders had previously ar- 
rived. Their mission had been fulfilled. They had gone to 
Missouri for the purpose of receiving definite knowledge 
concerning the location of the land and site for the future 
city of Zion ; to dedicate the land as the "inheritance of the 
Saints," also to choose and dedicate a spot for the building 
of the temple. Those who were to remain were instructed 
in their duties and given commandments by which they were 
to be governed in that land and upon which their inherit- 
ances, and those of the Saints who should follow after, might 
be made secure. 



CHAPTER 17 

THE BOOK OF COMMANDMENTS— THE VISION 

OF THE GLORIES— THE HIRAM MOBBING 

1831—1832 

Desire of the Saints for Knowledge of Zion. — August 
28, the day after the return of the brethren from Missouri, 
fell on Sunday. An inspirational meeting was held at which 
the brethren reported their labors. Among the business 
transacted was the ordination of Oliver Cowdery to the 
office of high priest "by the voice of the Church and the 
command of God, under the hand of Sidney Rigdon," says 
the record. Oliver Cowdery was in Missouri when the 
conference in June was held, at which the first high priests 
were ordained. 

As the Saints were very anxious to know more in re- 
lation to Zion, the purchasing of lands there and their in- 
heritances, the Prophet inquired of the Lord, and received a 
revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 63) in which the difficulties 
and persecutions of the Saints in that land were fore-shad- 
owed. Again the people were cautioned and reproved 
wherein they had not kept the commandments of the Lord. 
Among other things the Lord declared the following: 

"And now, verily, I say unto you, that as I said that I 
would make known my will unto you, behold I will make it 
known unto you, not by the way of commandment, for there 
are many who observe not to keep my commandments ; but 
unto him that keepeth my commandments, I will give the 
mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a 
well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life. And 
now, behold, this is the will of the Lord your God con- 
cerning his Saints, that they should assemble themselves 
together unto the land of Zion, not in haste, lest there should 
be confusion, which bringeth pestilence. Behold, the land of 
Zion, I, the Lord, holdeth it in mine own hands; neverthe 
Jess, T, the Lord, render unto Caesar the things which are 



138 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Caesar's. Wherefore, I, the Lord, will that you should pur- 
chase the lands that you may have advantage of the world, 
that you may have claim on the world, that they may not be 
stirred up unto anger; for Satan putteth it into their hearts 
to anger against you, and to the shedding of blood. Where- 
fore the land of Zion shall not be obtained but by purchase or 
by blood, otherwise there is none inheritance for you. And if 
by purchase, behold you are blessed ; and if by blood, as you 
are forbidden to shed blood, lo, your enemies are upon you, 
and ye shall be scourged from city to city, and from syna- 
gogue to synagogue, and but few shall stand to receive an 
inheritance. I, the Lord, am angry with the wicked ; I am 
holding my Spirit from the inhabitants of the earth." 

Apostasy of Ezra Booth. — In September Joseph Smith 
moved with his family to Hiram, in Portage County, Ohio, 
about thirty miles southeast of Kirtland, and commenced 
living at the home of John Johnson. About this time Ezra 
Booth left the Church. He had been ordained a high priest, 
and had taken the trip to Missouri, but had been rebellious. 
Before coming into the Church he was a Methodist priest; 
but through the performance of a miracle he was baptized, 
and from that time he desired to make men believe by the 
performance of miracles, even by smiting them, or with 
forcible means. After leaving the Church he wrote a num- 
ber of articles against the truth which were afterwards pub- 
lished in an anti-"Mormon" book. 

Purchase of a Printing Press. — As Oliver Cowdery 
and William W. Phelps had been called to print and pub- 
lish books and writings for the Church, it was necessary 
that a printing press be purchased. William W. Phelps was 
instructed, therefore, to call at Cincinnati on his return to 
Missouri, and purchase a press for this purpose. This press 
was to be taken to Independence, where they were to print a 
monthly paper to be called the Evening and Morning Star. 
This was the first publication in the Church. 

Revision of the Bible. — While residing at Hiram, Jo- 
seph Smith was engaged in the revision of the Bible, which 
work Wets commenced in Fayette, but had been delayed by 



THE BOOK OF COMMANDMENTS 



139 



command of the Lord until this time because of other duties 
Sidney Rigdon, who also had located in Hiram, continued 
to write for him. In course of time the Prophet went 
through the Bible, topic by topic, revising as he was led 
by revelation. The work was never fully completed, for 



TH E EVENING AND THE MORNING STAR. , 


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THE EVENING AND THE MORNING STAR 



140 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

he had intended, while at Nauvoo, a number of years later, 
to finish the work, but was cut off by his enemies. Never- 
theless, many plain and precious things were revealed which 
throw great light upon many subjects. 

Special Conference of November. — As Oliver Cow- 
dery and John Whitmer were appointed to go to Missouri 
to attend to duties there, which had been assigned to them, a 
special conference was called for November 1, 1831, to con- 
sider such matters as might need attention before their de- 
parture. 

Preparation for Publication of Commandments. — At 
this special conference, which was held at Hiram, the matter 
of publishing the revelations and commandments given 
through Joseph Smith, was considered. This was the will 
of the Lord, for during that conference he gave the revela- 
tion — one of the most important in the Doctrine and Cove- 
nants — which he called "my preface unto the book of my 
commandments, which I have given them to publish unto 
you, O inhabitants of the earth" (Doc. and Gov. Sec. 1). 
These inhabitants were commanded, as well as were the 
Saints, to "search these commandments, for they are true 
and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are 
in them shall all be fulfilled. " The Lord was willing, "to 
make these things known unto all flesh, for I am no respecter 
of persons," he said, "and will that all men shall know that 
the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at 
hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the 
devil shall have power over his own dominion ; and also the 
Lord shall have power over his Saints, and shall reign in 
their midst, and shall come down in judgment upon Idumea, 
or the world." 

Endorsement of the Revelations. — It was decided that 
an edition of ten thousand copies of the Book of Command- 
ments should be published. However, at a later date (May 
1, 1832) this was changed to three thousand copies. Joseph 
Smith addressed the elders and said, inasmuch as the Lord 
had bestowed a great blessing upon them in giving com- 



THE BOOK OF COMMANDMENTS 141 

mandments and revelations, he would ask the conference 
what testimony they were willing to give regarding these 
commandments which should shortly be sent to the world. 
After the reading of the Lord's preface, a number of the 
brethren arose and bore witness to the truth of the revela- 
tions, which were to be published in the Book of Command- 
ments. The conference lasted two days and much other 
business was transacted. 

Criticism of the Revelations. — Not all of those pres- 
ent at the conference fully endorsed these revelations ; there 
was one at least, who questioned their language. This was 
William E. McLellin, who had but recently joined the 
Church. The Prophet, thereupon received a commandment 
from the Lord (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 67) in which he was 
directed to invite the "most wise among you" to choose out 
of the revelations the least, and attempt to make one like 
unto it; and if this "wise" individual could duplicate the 
least of the revelations, then the elders might be justified in 
saying they did not "know that they are true." If this 
proved to be a failure, then they would be "under condemna- 
tion" if they did not bear record that they are true. 

William E. McLellin's Folly.— William E. McLellin, 
as the wisest man, accepted the challenge from the Lord. 
His attempt was a humiliating failure, to the convincing of 
the elders present, who unitedly signified their willingness 
to bear testimony to all the world, of the truth of the revela- 
tions given to Joseph Smith. 

Other Important Revelations. — At the conclusion of 
this conference the Lord gave another commandment (Doc. 
and Cov. Sec. 68) for the benefit of Orson Hyde, Luke 
Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson and William E. McLellin, who 
had inquired concerning themselves. In addition to the ad- 
vice and commandments given to these men there was much 
counsel and commandment for the inhabitants in Zion, for 
there were idlers among them, the Lord declared, and they 
were to keep the Sabbath day, to remember their prayers, to 
teach their children the principles of the Gospel and have 



142 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

them baptized when eight years old, for these things they 
were failing to do ; therefore the Lord was not pleased with 
them. Instructions were also given regarding the Priest- 
hood and its powers, for the guidance of the Church. This 
information Oliver Cowdery was to carry on his return to 
Zion. 

On the 3rd of November, the Lord gave the great revela- 
tion known as the Appendix, to the Book of Command- 
ments, which appears as Section 133 in the book of Doc- 
trine and Covenants. 

Arrangement of the Revelations. — It was decided that 
Oliver Cowdery should carry the revelations to Missouri, 
where they should be printed. Joseph Smith was therefore 
kept busy during the days intervening, as Oliver expected 
to leave about the 15th of November. The Prophet writes: 
"My time was occupied closely in reviewing the command- 
ments and sitting in conference, for nearly two weeks ; for 
from the first to the twelfth of November, we held four 
special conferences." 

Worth of the Revelations. — At the last of these con- 
ferences, held in Hiram, at the home of John Johnson, the 
members voted, after deliberate consideration of the revela- 
tions, "that they prize the revelations to be worth to the 
Church the riches of the whole earth, speaking temporally." 
The benefits to the Church and to the world, which come 
from the Book of Mormon and the revelations to Joseph 
Smith, were also considered, and the expression of the con- 
ference was to the effect that the infinite wisdom of the 
Lord, in granting for their salvation and the salvation of 
the world, these sacred things, should be fully appreciated. 

Commandments Dedicated. — It was voted that Joseph 
Smith be appointed to dedicate and consecrate these breth- 
ren, Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer, and the sacred 
writings entrusted to their care, to the Lord. Moreover, it 
was also voted that, in consequence of the diligence of Jo- 
seph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, John Whitmer and Sidney 
Rigdon, "in bringing to light, by the grace of God, these 



THE BOOK OF COMMANDMENTS 143 

sacred things, they be appointed to manage them according 
to the laws of the Church, and that their families as well 
as the families of Hyrum Smith, Christian Whitmer, Peter 
Whitmer, Jacob Whitmer, Hiram Page and David Whitmer, 
also Samuel Smith, William Smith and Don Carlos Smith, 
be remembered to the bishop of Zion as worthy of inherit- 
ances in the land of Zion. In accord with this motion re- 
garding the dedication of the revelations and those who 
should carry them, this action was taken at this time by 
Joseph Smith. Shortly after this conference, Oliver Cow- 
dery and John Whitmer departed on their journey. 

Labors Among the Enemy. — On the 1st of Decem- 
ber, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were commanded to 
take "a mission for a season" and call upon the inhabitants 
of the earth, and, said the Lord, "confound your enemies; 
call upon them to meet you, both in public and in private ; 
and inasmuch as ye are faithful, their shame shall be made 
manifest. Wherefore let them bring forth their strong 
reason against the Lord." The reason for this command- 
ment was due to the activities of the apostate Ezra Booth, 
who was publishing in Ravenna, Ohio, many falsehoods 
against the Church. According to this call Joseph Smith 
and Sidney Rigdon left on the 3rd of December for Kirt- 
land, to fulfil this revelation. For some time they spoke in 
Kirtland, Shalersville, Ravenna, and other places, vindicat- 
ing the cause and confounding their enemies. They were 
blessed with the Spirit of the Lord, and witnessed the ful- 
filment of the promises made to them ; for they were able to 
allay much of the excitement and change false impressions 
which had grown out of scandalous articles in the "Ohio 
Star" at Ravenna. 

The Amherst Conference. — On the 15th day of Jan- 
uary, 1832, a conference was held at Amherst, Loraine 
County, Ohio. At this conference much business was trans- 
acted in harmony and in the spirit of fellowship. Joseph 
Smith was sustained as President of the High Priesthood. 
The revelation known as Section 75 in the Doctrine and 



144 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Covenants was also given in which a number of elders were 
called to take missions, two by two, in several directions 
throughout the land. 

The Vision of the Glories. — At the close of this con- 
ference, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon again took up 
their work of revising the scriptures. While doing so, "it 
appeared self-evident," they declared, "from what truths 
were left, that if God rewarded every one according to the 
deeds done in the body, the term 'Heaven' is intended for the 
Saints' eternal home, must include more kingdoms than one.'' 
Accordingly on the 16th of February, 1832, while revising 
St. John's Gospel, and in answer to their prayer, they saw 
the heavens opened and beheld the Father and the Son. 
The account of this vision, as it is given in Section 76 of the 
Doctrine and Covenants, is one of the choicest bits of lit- 
erature, and one of the greatest revelations ever given to 
man. It throws a flood of light upon eternity and the des- 
tiny of the human race and teaches the mercy of a loving 
Father, who saves all the workmanship of his hands, save it 
be the sons of perdition, who sin against the light and crucify 
their Redeemer again unto themselves. That every man 
shall be rewarded according to his works, and that a place 
has been prepared for each individual somewhere in the 
mansion of the Father, after he is purged from sin, is a 
glorious and merciful provision in the plan of salvation, 
which this vision declares, as it was provided before the 
world began. It would be folly to attempt to comment on this 
most wonderful revelation of the power and loving kind- 
ness of the Lord, which the words of man cannot adequately 
express. 

The Prophet's Views on the Vision. — The words of 
Joseph Smith pertaining to this opening of the heavens, are 
well expressed. "Nothing," he has written, "could be more 
pleasing to the Saints upon the order of the kingdom of the 
Lord, than the light which burst upon the world through 
the foregoing vision. Every law, every commandment, every 
promise, every truth, and every point touching the destiny 



THE BOOK OF COMMANDMENTS 145 

of man, from Genesis to Revelation, where the purity of the 
scriptures remains unsullied by the folly of men, go to show 
the perfection of the theory [of different degrees of glory 
in the future life] and witness the fact that that document is 
a transcript from the records of the eternal world. The 
sublimity of the ideas ; the purity of the language ; the scope 
for action; the continued duration for completion, in order 
that the heirs of salvation may confess the Lord and bow 
the knee ; the rewards for faithfulness, and the punishments 
for sins, are so much beyond the narrow-mindedness of 
men, that every honest man is constrained to exclaim: 'It 
came from God!" Joseph Smith or any other man guided 
by the inspiration of man's power could not have written it. 

Mob Violence in Hiram. — Before going to Hiram, 
Ohio, to live, Joseph Smith and his wife adopted two chil- 
dren (twins) of Elder John Murdock's. Their mother died 
at their birth, and Emma Smith, having lost twins of her 
own which were born the same day, took the Murdock twins 
to raise. In March, 1832, when these children were about 
eleven months old, they took the measles, and their care 
caused both the Prophet and his wife to lose much rest. On 
the night of the 24th, after the family had retired, a mob 
surrounded the house, broke open the door and dragged the 
Prophet into the open. On the way he managed to get one 
foot loose with which he kicked one of the ruffians and 
knocked him down. At this, with blasphemous oath, the 
fiends swore they would kill the Prophet if he made fur- 
ther resistance. They then choked him until he was un- 
conscious. When he came too, he discovered Sidney Rig- 
don, whom they had also taken from his home and dragged 
by his heels so that his head struck at every step on the 
frozen earth. He was unconscious on the ground. About 
sixty rods from the house the mob held a council to decide 
what further action they might take. Some were ready to 
kill the Prophet, but returning to him they attempted to 
force a vial of acid in his mouth, but the vial was broken 

against his teeth. An attempt was also made to fill his 
li 



146 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

mouth with tar; failing in this they tore from him his 
clothes, and applied the tar with feathers to his body. After 
shamefully beating him they left him helpless on the ground. 
Joseph attempted to rise, but fell to the ground again. After 
a while he began to recover his strength, and made his way 
with difficulty to his home. 

Sidney received similar treatment, which left him de- 
lirious for several days. The Prophet's friends spent the 
night cleaning the tar from his body, and the following 
day, it being the Sabbath, he met with the people at the 
regular hour, and addressed them. Several of the members 
of the mob were present, including Simonds Ryder, an apos- 
tate, and leader of the mob; a Mr. McClentic and Felatiah 
Allen, who had provided the mob with a barrel of whisky 
to raise their spirits and make them "brave" to do the deed. 
During the mobbing one of the twins became exposed, con- 
tracted a severe cold, and a few days later, died. 

Second Visit to Missouri. — The first of April, Joseph 
Smith, with Newel K. Whitney and Jesse Gause, left for 
Missouri to fulfil the provisions of a revelation (Doc. and 
Cov. Sec. 78) in respect to regulating and establishing the 
affairs of the store house for the poor, and the consecration 
of properties. They were later joined by Sidney Rigdon. 
On the way they purchased paper, at Wheeling, Virginia, for 
the press in Zion, and arrived in Independence on the 24th 
of April. Two days later at a general council of the Church, 
Joseph Smith was acknowledged by the Saints in Zion as 
President of the High Priesthood, ratifying the action of 
the Amherst conference, held January 25, 1832. 

Zion and Her Stakes. — During this conference a rev- 
elation was given commanding the elders to bind themselves 
in a covenant of consecration, which could not be broken. 
Kirtland was to become a "stake of Zion." a "For I have con- 

oThe term "Stake of Zion," which was first used in a revelation 
given in November, 1831 (Sec. 68) is a comparison to the stakes 
which bind a tent. Isaiah says : "Look upon Zion, the city of our 
solemnities ; thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tab- 
ernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes there- 



THE BOOK OF COMMANDMENTS 147 

secrated the land of Shinehah (Kirtland), in mine own due 
time," said the Lord, "for the benefit of the Saints of the 
Most High, and for a stake of Zion. For Zion must increase 
in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; 
her stakes must be strengthed; yea, verily I say unto you, 
Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments. There- 
fore I give unto you this commandment, that ye bind your- 
selves by this covenant, and it shall be done according to the 
laws of the Lord." 

Return to Kirtland. — Joseph and the brethren visited 
the Colesville Saints in Kaw township, who rejoiced greatly 
to see them. It was agreed in a council held on the first of 
May to print but three thousand copies of the Book of Com- 
mandments, and that the revelations should be reviewed 
and prepared by Oliver Cowdery, William W. Phelps and 
John Whitmer; and that the hymns selected by Emma Smith 
be prepared for printing. After the transaction of other 
necessary business, Joseph Smith and his companions, Rig- 
don and Whitney, returned to Kirtland. On this journey 
Joseph was poisoned and Bishop Whitney met with an ac- 
cident breaking his leg and foot in several places ; both were 
healed by the power of the Lord. 

of shall ever be removed, neither shall a,ny of the cords thereof 
be broken (Ch. 33:20). Again: "Enlarge the place of thy tent and 
let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations : spare not, 
lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes" (Ch. 54:2). 

Zion is the tent, the settlements surrounding her, are the cords 
and stakes. It is as improper to speak of Zion in Missouri as the 
"center stake of Zion," as it would be to call a tent a stake. 



Chapter is 

organization of the first presidency- 
important revelations 

1832—1833 

Important Revelations. — In the fall of 1832 and con- 
tinuing through the winter and spring of 1833, a number of 
remarkable revelations were given for the edification and 
guidance of the Church. Great principles of science and 
philosophy, as well as of doctrine and spiritual truth, were 
revealed. 

On the 22nd and 23rd of September, at the inquiry of a 
number of elders of the Church, the history and power of 
the Priesthood were revealed (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 84) ; the 
responsibilities taken by those who are ordained, were ex- 
plained; the promises made to those who are faithful that 
they shall receive the fulness of the blessings of the father's 
kingdom — for he had declared it "with an oath and cove- 
nant, which belongeth to the Priesthood," with the penalty 
attached that "whoso breaketh this covenant * * * and 
altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of 
sins in this world, nor in the word to come"; — were clearly 
defined ; the place of the great temple, and when it shall be 
built, and many other things dealing with the gathering of 
the Saints, the building of Zion and its redemption, were 
set forth. 

November 27 the Lord stated that he would send one 
mighty and strong to arrange the inheritances of the Saints 
in Zion (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 85). December 6, the parable 
of the wheat and the tares was explained (Doc. and Cov. 
Sec. 86). On Christmas day the prophecy on war, which 
has so far been fulfilled, was given (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 87). 
Two days later the remarkable revelation on scientific and 
doctrinal truth, known as the "Olive Leaf" (Doc. and Cov. 
Sec. 88), was presented to the Church. In this wonderful 



THE FIRST PRESIDENCY 149 

communication from the heavens, the following eternal prin- 
ciples, among many others, were revealed: 

The light of Christ is the light of truth and is the light 
of the sun, the planets, the stars, and the power by which 
they were made ; it is the light which quickeneth the intelli- 
gence of man; it is the life and light of all things, and is 
the law by which they are governed ; it fills the immensity of 
space; to every kingdom there is given laws which have 
their bounds and conditions ; there is no space in which there 
is no kingdom, great or small; the worlds in sp?ce are 
peopled with the children of our Father ; the earth on which 
we dwell is a living body and shall die, but shall be raised 
again a celestial body and shall become the abode of celestial 
beings ; the inhabitants of the earth who are unfaithful must 
inherit another kingdom in eternity; he who cannot abide 
the law of the celestial kingdom, cannot abide a celestial 
glory; every man in the resurrection is quickened by the 
glory of the kingdom to which he has attained: the spirit 
and the body is the soul of man, and the redemption of the 
soul is through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; 
after the testimonies of the elders will come the testimonies 
of judgments; the order of the signs preceding the coming 
of the Savior, are made known ; the redemption of the just ; 
the destruction of the "great and abominable church ;" and 
the fate of the wicked, are declared among the great truths 
contained in this revelation. 

In February, 1833, the Lord gave to Joseph Smith the 
"Word of Wisdom" (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 89), for the tem- 
poral salvation of mankind. March 15, 1833, the doctrines 
of the eternity of matter; the glory of God is Intelligence; 
the innocence of man in the beginning; and many other 
things were received (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 93). 

The School of the Prophets. — In the revelation of 
December 27, 1833 (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 88), the elders of 
the Church were also commanded to "teach one another the 
doctrines of the kingdom." They were to be instructed 
"more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the 



150 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

law of the Gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom 
of God," that were expedient for them to understand. They 
were to tarry in Kirtland for this instruction, before they 
should "go forth, among the Gentiles for the last time, as 
many as the mouth of the Lord shall name, to bind up the 
law and seal up the testimony, and to prepare the Saints for 
the hour of judgment which is to come." They were to 
seek diligently out of the best books, words of wisdom and 
learning "even by study and also by faith." That this should 
be accomplished, they were to prepare a house of prayer, 
learning and faith, even a house of glory — a house of God. 
In it they were to call their solemn assemblies; one should 
be appointed as teacher, and not all speak at once. While 
one speaks, all others should give attention. In this manner 
there was to be perfect order in the School of the Prophets — 
for so it should be called. Moreover, the Lord declared: 
"And this shall be the order of the house of the presidency 
of the school : He that is appointed to be president, or 
teacher, shall be found standing in his place, in the house 
which shall be prepared for him. Therefore, he shall be 
first in the house of God, in a place that the congregation 
in the house may hear his words carefully and distinctly, 
not with loud speech." Those who were entitled to attend 
should be the officers of the Church who are called to the 
ministry, "beginning at the high priests, even down to the 
deacons." They were to greet each other in fellowship, with 
proper salutations. They should be men who were clean 
from the blood of this generation, sober-minded and full of 
faith. Further, the Lord stated: "And ye are called to do 
this by prayer and thanksgiving as the Spirit shall give ut- 
terance in all your doings in the house of the Lord, in the 
School of the Prophets, that it may become a sanctuary, a 
tabernacle of the Holy Spirit to your edification. ,, 

The Coming of Brigham Young and Others. — Sep- 
tember 10, George Albert Smith, son of John Smith and 
cousin to the Prophet, was baptized in Potsdam, New York. 
He was a youth fifteen years of age, who in later years 



THE FIRST PRESIDENCY 151 

was to play an important part in the work of these latter 
days. About the 8th of November, Joseph Young, Brigham 
Young, Heber C. Kimball and John P. Greene, came from 
Mendon, Monroe CoUnty, New York. This was the first 
meeting of Joseph Smith and these brethren. They remained 
in Kirtland for a number of days and were privileged to 
meet with the Prophet on several occasions. In one of their 
meetings, Brigham Young and John P. Greene spoke in 
tongues, as did also the Prophet Joseph Smith. These breth- 
ren had received the Gospel in Mendon. It had first been 
brought to their attention in the summer or fall of 1831, 
through the labors of Samuel H. Smith, who had left a 
copy of the Book of Mormon with John P. Greene. Later, 
through the preaching of Elders Alpheus Gifford, Elial 
Strong and others they were persuaded to receive the truth. 
Brigham Young was baptized by Elder Eleazer Miller, April 
14, 1832; was ordained an elder and at once entered the 
ministry and assisted in raising up several branches in the 
vicinity of Mendon, New York. 

The Prophet's Labors in Kirtland. — The winter of 
1832-3 was spent by Joseph Smith in revision of the scrip- 
tures; in the School of the Prophets, which had just been 
organized by commandment (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 88) ; and 
in the holding of conferences from time to time. In January 
a number of meetings of the elders were held, in which the 
ordinances of washing of feet, as spoken of in the 13th 
chapter of John, was attended to, as commanded by the 
Lord (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 88). On the 2nd of February 
the Prophet finished the revision of the New Testament, as 
far as he was directed to revise it at that time, and sealed 
it up not to be opened until it arrived in Zion. Several 
epistles were written to the Saints, and much correspond- 
ence passed between the elders in Zion and those in Kirt- 
land in relation to their work. 

Organization of the First Presidency. — March 18, 
1833, the First Presidency of the Church was organized, 
with Joseph Smith, president, and Sidney Rigdon and Fred- 



152 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



erick G. Williams, counselors. This was in fulfilment of 
the commandment given in a revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 
90) on the 8th of that month, wherein the Lord said to 
Joseph Smith : "And again, verily I say unto thy brethren, 
Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams, their sins are 
forgiven them also, and they are accounted as equal with 
thee in holding the keys of the kingdom." One year before, 
in March, 1832, the Lord had called Frederick G. Williams 

to this position by revela- 
tion (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 
81), and to hold "the keys 
of the kingdom, which be- 
longeth always unto the 
Presidency of the High 
Priesthood. " Joseph Smith 
laid his hands on the heads 
of each of these men and 
ordained them to take part 
with him in this great re- 
sponsibility. Thus another 
step in the organization of 
the Church was completed. 

Kirtland a Stake of 

Zion.— March 23, 1833, a 
council of the elders was 
called for the purpose of 
appointing a committee to 
purchase lands in Kirtland, upon which the Saints might 
build a stake of Zion. After some deliberations a committee 
was appointed consisting of Ezra Thayer and Joseph Coe. 
Later the property was purchased for this purpose, and 
many of the elders commenced to labor in various ways for 
the building of a city for the Saints at Kirtland. 

First Gathering of the Mob in Zion. — In April, 1833, 
the first gathering of the mob in Jackson County took place. 
About three hundred men came together to decide upon a 
plan of campaign for the removal of the members of the 




FREDERICK G. WILLIAMS 



THE FIRST PRESIDENCY 153 

Church in Jackson County. At the same time the elders 
in Jackson County met in solemn prayer and petitioned the 
Lord that the efforts of their enemies might fail. They had 
reason to meet and pray, for the wickedness of their enemies 
was extreme. Nor were the Saints free from guilt before 
the Lord. They had failed to keep strictly the command- 
ments of the Lord which had been given them for the build- 
ing up of Zion. Jealousies had arisen and murmurings were 
heard; even the Prophet, as well as others of the leading 
brethren, had been criticized. Some of the members had 
failed to observe the law of consecration, which had been 
given for the building of Zion, and their humility, in some 
respects, had been forgotten. However, on this occasion 
the deliberations of their enemies came to nothing. The 
Lord had heard the prayers of the Saints. 

A House of the Lord in Kirtland. — At a conference 
of high priests held May 4, 1833, a committee was appointed 
to obtain subscriptions for the building of a house for a 
school, in compliance with the revelations of December 27, 
1832, and March 8, 1833, where the elders might receive in- 
structions before going out to warn the world. Hyrum 
Smith, Jared Carter and Reynolds Cahoon, were appointed 
as that committee. May 6, Joseph Smith received another 
revelation in which the Church was commanded to "com- 
mence a work of laying out and preparing a beginning and 
foundation of a stake of Zion," in Kirtland. A house was 
also to be built for the work of printing, translating, and 
"all things whatsoever the Lord should command them/* 
The committee immediately went to work to gather means; 
by subscriptions for this purpose. They had previously- 
been commanded to build a house unto the Lord, to be a 
house of prayer and fasting, to be a temple unto His name- 
Commencement of the Kirtland Temple. — By the first 
of June the preparations for the building of the Kirtland 
Temple were under way. A circular letter was sent out by 
the building committee to the various branches of the Church. 
June 1, the Prophet received the wc^d of tjrre Lo.ijd; in re- 



154 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

lation to the building of the temple, in which the Saints were 
commanded to hasten the work, and the necessity for such a 
building was made known. "Ye have sinned against me 
a very grievous sin, in that ye have not considered the great 
commandment in all things, that I have given unto you 
concerning the building of mine house," said the Lord. Then 
He states the reason, in part — for the full purpose for such 
a house was not at that time made known — to be as fol- 
lows: "For the preparation wherewith I design to prepare 
mine apostles to prune my vineyard for the last time, that 
I may bring to pass my strange act, that I may pour out 
my Spirit upon all flesh. * * * Yea, verily I say unto 
you, I give you a commandment that you should build an 
house, in the which I design to endow those whom I have 
chosen, with power from on high. For this is the promise 
of the Father unto you, therefore I command you to tarry, 
even as mine apostles at Jerusalem." 

From this it is discovered that there were certain endow- 
ments and blessings to be given to the elders, before they 
could go forth fully prepared to preach the Gospel in the 
world, which could only be obtained in the temple of the 
Lord. For this cause the Lord commanded that the temple 
be built at once, for the preaching of the Gospel was urgent, 
and the laborers were few. The Saints therefore, went to 
work diligently in the midst of many difficulties, both with- 
in, as well as without, the Church, to build the house of the 
Lord. 

The First Work on the Temple.— On the 5th of June, 
George A. Smith hauled the first load of stone, and Hyrum 
Smith and Reynolds Cahoon, two of the building committee, 
commenced to dig the trench for the foundation, which they 
later finished with their own hands. Others also volunteered, 
and by these means the work progressed. 

The Case of "Doctor" Hurlburt.— On the 3rd of June 
a charge was preferred against Philastus Hurlburt, who was 
accused of unchristian conduct while on a mission to the 
east, Oh investigation his elder's licence was taken from 



THE FIRST PRESIDENCY 155 

him. On the 21st he appealed his case and on making con- 
fession of his improper conduct and a seeming* show of re- 
pentance, he was reinstated. Two days later, however, his 
sincerity was called in question, and on the testimony of wit- 
nesses who had heard him say that he had not repented and 
had deceived "Joseph Smith's God," he was excommunicated 
from the Church. He later manifested a bitter spirit and in 
April, 1834, was bound by the court to keep the peace, "with 
good and sufficient security in the sum of two hundred dol- 
lars," for threats against the life of Joseph Smith. 3 - 



a Any reference to "Dr." Hurlburt might be considered insig- 
nificant but for one thing which developed after his apostasy and 
excommunication, which may be mentioned briefly here. He was 
not a doctor, but was so called because he was the seventh son. He 
had been a Methodist, but had been expelled from that body for 
immoral conduct, before he joined the Church. While engaged in 
missionary work in Pennsylvania he heard of a manuscript that 
had been written by one Solomon Spaulding, which dealt with the 
subject of the American Indian. Hurlburt had an evil thought. If 
he could make it appear that the Book of Mormon was taken, or 
plagiarized, from the Spaulding Manuscript, it would prove to be 
an irreparable injury to "Mormonism." Others became interested 
in the scheme and a book was produced by E. D. Howe, entitled 
"Mormonism Unveiled." Of course the Spaulding story was lost 
so that no comparison was possible. For many years the publica- 
tion of E. D. Howe was made to do mighty service against the Book 
of Mormon. As time went on, however, the manuscript of Mr. 
Spaulding was found, anq^is now in the archives of Oberlin College, 
in Ohio. A comparison with the Book of Mormon proved that the 
two productions were no more alike than the Bible is like the 
story of Gulliver's Travels. Since that day the Hurlburt-Howe 
theory of the origin of the Book of Mormon has been dead. 

For a thorough account of this question the reader is referred 
to "The Myth of the Manuscript Found," by Elder George Reynolds ; 
and "New Witness for God," Vol. 3; Page 354, by Elder B. H. 
Roberts. 



CHAPTER 19 

THE EXPULSION FROM JACKSON COUNTY 

1833 

The Prophet's Warning. — The impending storm about 
to break over the heads of the Saints in Missouri was fore- 
seen by the Prophet Joseph Smith. In January, 1833, he 
wrote to William W. Phelps as follows: "The Lord will 
have a place whence his word will go forth in these last 
days in purity; for if Zion will not purify herself soas to 
be approved of in all things in his sight, he will seek an- 
other people ; for his work will go on until Israel is gathered, 
and they who will not hear his voice must expect to feel his 
wrath. * * * Our hearts are greatly grieved at the 
spirit which is breathed both in your letter and that of 
Brother Gilbert's, the very spirit which is wasting the 
strength of Zion like a pestilence; and if it is not detected 
and driven from you, it will ripen Zion for the threatened 
judgments of God. * * * This from your brother who 
trembles for Zion, and for the wrath of heaven, which 
awaits her if she repent not." These fears were also ex- 
pressed in an epistle written the same day from a confer- 
ence of high priests in Kirtland to their brethren in Zion. 
"We feel more like weeping for Zion than we do like re- 
joicing over her, for we know that the judgments of God 
hang over her, and will fall upon her except she repent," 
was their message. 

Rise of Mob Force in Jackson. — Almost as soon as 
the members of the Church commenced settling in Jackson 
County, opposition began to show itself. The settlers were 
incited to violence by their ministers, who started a cam- 
paign of abuse and falsehood. They received ready aid 
from others of the citizens, which ultimately resulted in the 
expulsion of the Latter-day Saints from the state. The 
Rev. Finis Ewing publicly distributed the report that "the 



EXPULSION FROM JACKSON COUNT V 157 

'Mormons' were the common enemies of mankind," while the 
Rev. Pixley circulated falsehoods among the religious papers 
of the east, and used his influence among both the Indians 
and the whites for the destruction of the Church in Jackson 
County. 

Nearly all the Latter-day Saints were from the Eastern 
States, while the Missourians were from the South. The 
Missourians feared that the "Mormons" would increase and 
take from them their political domination. The question 
of slavery, even in that day, was quite keen, and the Mis- 
sourians were determined to keep the state within the con- 
trol of the slave holders. Above all else, however, was their 
extreme hatred for the "Mormons" because of their indus- 
try and belief. Some of the latter had also failed to show 
the proper discretion and wisdom, for they openly stated 
that the Lord had given them the land for their eternal in- 
heritance, and although they were to purchase the lands, yet 
in time there the city Zion would be built, unto which none 
but the faithful would be privileged to come. Such expres- 
sions aroused the Missourians to fever heat, for they natural- 
ly hated the doctrines of the Church, and to be informed that 
the lands would ultimately be taken from them, was adding 
fuel to the flame. 

As early as the spring of 1832, the mob resorted to vio- 
lence. In the still hours of the night, windows in many of 
the houses of the Saints were broken, and other damage 
done by their enemies, who naturally performed their deeds 
in the dark ; but this was only the beginning of sorrow. 

The Mob Council.— July 20, 1833, a council of ail 
Missourians who were opposed to the Latter-day Saints was 
called to meet in the Independence Court house. Between 
four and five hundred men assembled and chose Richard 
Simpson, chairman, and Samuel D. Lucas and J. H. Flour- 
noy, secretaries. They then proceeded to discuss means for 
the ejection of the members of the Church from Jackson 
County, "peaceably if we can," they said, "forcibly if we 
must." After deliberating for some time, they concluded 



158 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

that "the arm of the civil law does not afford a guarantee, 
or at least a sufficient one, against the ''evils" which were 
inflicted upon them. These "evils" were such that "no one 
could have foreseen," and "therefore, unprovided for by 
the laws;" and the "delays incident to legislation would 
put the mischief beyond remedy." They must because of 
this take into their own hands the matter of expulsion of 
hundreds of citizens from their homes. 

Some of the "evils" of the "Mormons" were stated to 
be as follows : The declaration that miracles have been per- 
formed and supernatural cures achieved among the sick; 
a belief in heavenly manifestations and that they have held 
converse with God and his angels; possession and exercise 
of the gifts of divination and unknown tongues; and "fired 
with the prospect of obtaining inheritance without money 
and without price." Yet they were well aware that the 
"Mormons" had never made the attempt to obtain lands 
except by purchase, as the Lord had commanded them. Nev- 
ertheless all these "crimes" must be punished; for against 
such evils "self preservation, good society and public morals,'' 
made demands that the "Mormons" should be expelled. The 
following articles were drawn up and unanimously approved, 
to be submitted to the elders of the Church. 

Declaration of the Mob. — (1) "That no Mormon shall 
in future move and settle in this county. 

(2). "That those now here, who shall give a definite 
pledge of their intention within reasonable time to remove 
out of the county, shall be allowed to remain unmolested 
until thej have sufficient time to sell their property, and 
close their business, without any material sacrifice. 

(3). "That the editor of the Star be required forthwith 
to close his office and discontinue the business of printing in 
this county; and as to all other stores and shops belonging 
to the sect, their owners must in every case strictly comply 
with the terms of the second article of this declaration ; and 
upon failure, prompt and efficient measures will be taken 
to close the same. 



EXPULSION FROM JACKSON COUNTY 159 

(4). "That the Mormon leaders here are required to 
use their influence in preventing any further emigration of 
their distant brethren to this county, and to counsel and ad- 
vise their brethren here to comply with the above requisi- 
tions. 

(5). "That those who fail to comply with these requisi- 
tions be referred to those of their brethren who have the 
gifts of divination, and of unknown tongues, to inform them 
of the lot that awaits them." 

This address was read and after approval a committee 
consisting of twelve men was appointed to wait upon the 
presiding elders of the Church. They were instructed to 
"see that the foregoing requisitions are strictly, complied 
with by them; and upon their refusal, that said committee 
do, as the organ of this county, inform them that it is our 
unwavering purpose and fixed determination, after the full- 
est consideration of all the consequences and responsibilities 
under which we act, to use such means as shall insure full 
and complete adoption." Such was the ungodly manifesto of 
the mob. 

The Enemy's Demands. — A recess was taken for two 
hours in which the committee was to carry this message of 
unrighteous demands to the elders of the Church, and then 
make report. Naturally these brethren desired time to con- 
sider these drastic terms. They had come into the land by 
command of the Lord, to receive their inheritance ; it was 
here the great city of the New Jerusalem was to be built ;they 
had hoped for a peaceful possession of their property, and as 
they had not interfered with the privileges of others they 
justly felt that they were entitled to maintain their rights. 
They asked for three months for consideration of these evil 
terms ; but were denied. They then asked for ten days ; but 
were informed that fifteen minutes was time enough. If 
immediate answer was not forthcoming an unfavorable re- 
port would be returned, with consequences of serious char- 
acter speedily to follow. A refusal of these demands was 
evidently the desire of the unlawful gathering at the court 



160 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

house, which sought a pretext to vent their anger upon the 
Saints violently. 

The Committee's Report. — The committee returned 
and made their report. "Whereupon," their minutes 
read, "it was unanimously resolved by the meeting, that 
the Star printing office should be razed to the ground; the 
type and press secured." With the understanding that 
they would meet again three days later, the horde of wretches 
started forth on their mission of destruction. They did not 
overlook the opportunity to advertise their deliberations "that 
the Mormon brethren may know at a distance that the gates 
of Zion are closed against them — that their interests will be 
best promoted by remaining among those who know and 
appreciate their merits." 

Vengeance of the Mob. — With the utmost fury these 
human fiends proceeded to the office of the Evening and 
Morning Star and razed it to the ground. The office was 
a part of the dwelling occupied by William W. Phelps. Mrs. 
Phelps and her children including a sick infant, were thrown 
out of doors amidst the furniture which was destroyed. They 
then proceeded to the store of Gilbert, Whitney and Co., bent 
on further destruction ; but Elder Gilbert assuring them that 
the goods would be packed by the 23rd of that month, and 
no more would be sold, they left him and the store and 
turned their attention to personal violence. They took Bishop 
Edward Partridge and Charles Allen, stripped them and 
applied a coat of tar which had been mixed with acid which 
burned into their flesh, and then coated them with feathers. 
Others of the brethren were scourged, amidst horrid yells 
and blasphemous oaths, while others in the excitement, for 
all their captors were intent upon the "sport," were able to 
make their escape from similar treatment by the mob. 

Second Gathering of the Mob. — On the morning of 
July 23, 1833, the mob, to the number of about five hundred, 
again approached Independence, carrying a red flag — the 
emblem of lawlessness — and armed with all manner of wea- 
pons of war. They rode through the streets, giving vent to 



EXPULSION FROM JACKSON COUNTY 161 

hideous yells and blasphemous oaths, searching for the pre- 
siding elders of the Church. They threatened to whip any 
"Mormon" whom they captured, with from fifty to five 
hundred lashes each, demolish their dwellings, and turn 
negroes loose to destroy their fields. 

Offer of Ransom for the Church. — Elders John Cor- 
rill, John Whitmer, William W. Phelps, Algernon S. Gil- 
bert, Edward Partridge and Isaac Morley, the leading elders, 
made no resistance, but offered themselves a ransom for the 
Church. They were willing to be scourged and even die, if 
that would appease the wrath of the mob. The Missourians, 
with blasphemous oaths, assured them that every man, 
woman and child would be whipped and scourged even to 
death if they did not leave Jackson County. "The Mor- 
mons," said the mobbers, "must leave the county, or they 
or the Mormons must die." The brethren mentioned, know- 
ing that resistance was useless and to save the Saints and 
avoid the shedding of blood, entered into an agreement with 
the mob to leave the county within a reasonable time. 

The Forced Agreement of the Mob. — The terms 
forced by the mob upon the Saints were as follows: Oliver 
Cowdery, William W. Phelps, William E. McLellin, Ed- 
ward Partridge, Lyman Wight, Simeon Carter, Harvey 
Whitlock and the two Whitmers, Peter and John, were to 
remove their families from the county on or before the first 
day of January, 1834; they were to use all their influence 
to induce all other members of the Church to remove as 
soon as possible, one half by January first, and the rest by the 
first of April following ; and to do all in their power to stop 
others of their brethren from moving into Jackson County ; 
John Corrill and Algernon S. Gilbert were allowed to remain 
as general agents to wind up the business, Gilbert to sell the 
merchandise on hand but to buy no more ; the Star was not 
to be published nor a press set up; Edward Partridge and 
William W. Phelps were to remove their families, but they 
would be permitted to come and go to wind up the affairs 
of the Church. The mob pledged themselves to use no vio- 

12 



162 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

lence so long as the brethren complied with the terms pre- 
sented. To this the names of the elders and the members 
of the second committee appointed by the mob were sub- 
scribed. 

The Contract Broken by the Mob. — Since there is no 
honor among knaves, the mob failed to keep their agreement. 
Constantly they sallied forth, breaking windows in the homes 
of the members of the Church and offering abuse when oc- 
casion afforded. These attacks, however, did not pass un- 
noticed by the better class of citizens in the state. The 
Western Monitor, a paper published in Fayette, Missouri, 
first showed a friendly spirit toward the mob, but later cen- 
sured them for their conduct and advised the "Mormons" to 
seek redress for their wrongs. Other papers adopted a 
similar view, whereupon the members of the mob declared 
that if any "Mormon" attempted "to seek redress by law or 
otherwise, for character, person, or property, they should 
die." 

Appeal to Governor Dunklin. — When hostilities broke 
out the brethren in Missouri sent Oliver Cowdery to Kirt- 
land to make report and consult the First Presidency in 
respect to future action. In sorrow for the afflicted members 
in Missouri the presidency sent Orson Hyde and John Gould 
with instructions for their brethren in that land. Shortly 
after their arrival, necessary preparations having been made, 
Elders William W. Phelps and Orson Hyde, were sent to 
Jefferson City with a petition, under date of September 28, 
1833, to Governor Daniel Dunklin. In their petition the 
wrongs of the Latter-day Saints were clearly set forth, and it 
was sig-ned by nearly all the members of the Church in 
Missouri. 

The Governor's Reply.— On the 19th of October, Gov- 
ernor Dunklin made reply to the memorial of the members 
cf the Church and advised them to take their grievances be- 
fore the courts, for, said he : "No citizen, nor number of 
citizens, have a right to take the redress of their grievances, 
whether real or imaginary, into their own hands. Such con- 









EXPULSION FROM JACKSON COUNTY 163 

duct strikes at the very existence of society, and subverts 
the foundation on which it is based. * * * The judge of your 
circuit is a conservator of the peace : if an affidavit is made 
before him by any of you, that your lives are threatened, 
and you believe them in danger, it would be his duty to 
have the offenders apprehended, and bind them to keep the 
peace." He could not "permit himself to doubt that the 
courts were open to" the Saints. 

Futility of the Advice. — Under ordinary circum 
stances the governor's advice might have been of some 
worth. The conditions, however, were of no ordinary 
nature. The leaders of the mob were Samuel D. Lucas, 
judge of the county court; Samuel C. Owens, county clerk; 
John Smith, justice of the peace; Samuel Weston, justice of 
the peace ; William Brown, constable ; Thomas Pitcher, 
deputy constable; James H. Flournoy, postmaster, and Lil- 
burn W. Boggs, lieutenant governor of the state, the latter, 
however, keeping in the background and aiding and abetting 
the others in their evil work. For the "Mormon" people to 
accept the governor's advice, would mean their trial would 
be conducted before their avowed and open enemies, if they 
were permitted a trial at all. 

Counsel Employed by the Saints. — Nevertheless, ac- 
cepting the governor's advice, attorneys were engaged to 
fight the case. They were William T. Wood, Amos Reese, 
Alexander W. Doniphan and David R. Atchison, who agreed 
to plant suits and carry them through for one thousand 
dollars. Notes for that amount were given by William W. 
Phelps and Bishop Partridge and endorsed by Gilbert, Whit- 
ney and Co. However, very little benefit was ever derived 
by the members of the Church, from this action. , 

Continued Activities of the Mob. — As soon as it was 
known that the "Mormons" would appeal to the courts, the 
mobbers began to prepare for war. On the night of Octo- 
ber 31, a band of about fifty marauders proceeded against 
a branch of the Church west of the Big Blue River, not far 
from Independence. There they unroofed and partly de- 
molished a number of houses, whipped in a savage manner 



164 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

several men and frightened the women and children, who 
were forced to flee for safety. On the first of November, 
another attack was made on a branch on the prairie, four- 
teen miles from Independence. The same night another 
party raided the homes of the Saints in Independence, where 
a number of houses were demolished and the goods in the 
store of Gilbert, Whitney and Co., were scattered in the 
street. One Richard McCarty was caught in the act of 
breaking into the store and demolishing property and was 
taken before Samuel Weston, justice of the peace, where 
a complaint was made against him; Judge Weston, how- 
ever, refused to consider the complaint, and turned McCarty 
loose. The next day McCarty caused the arrest of the wit- 
nesses who had captured him in this unlawful act, and had 
them tried for false imprisonment. The same justice, on 
the testimony of this fellow alone, found the witnesses, Gil- 
bert, Morley and Corrill, guilty and committed them to 
jail. "Although we could not obtain a warrant against him 
for breaking open the store," said John Corrill, "yet he 
had gotten one for us for catching him at it." 

The Battle of the Blue. — These attacks Upon the 
Saints were repeatedly continued; attempts were made to 
obtain peace warrants, but no justice would issue them for 
fear of the mob. Monday, November 4, 1833, a band of 
mobbers gathered at the Big Blue River and commenced to 
destroy property. Nineteen men, members of the Church, 
gathered in defense, but discovering the superior number 
of the mob, turned back. Their enemies, learning of this at- 
tempt, immediately went in pursuit of the "Mormons" who 
fled in various directions for safety. About thirty more of 
the brethren from the prairie armed with seventeen guns 
approached and a battle commenced. The mobbers soon 
fled leaving two of their number, Hugh L. Brazeale and 
Thomas Linville, dead on the ground. Among the "Mor- 
mons" Andrew Barber received a mortal wound and died 
the following day. Philo Dibble also received a severe 
wound, but was almost instantly healed by the laying on of 
hands by Elder Newel Knight. 



EXPULSION FROM JACKSON COUNTY 165 

The Mob Militia.— Following the battle of the Blue, 
excitement ran high. November 5, 1833, at the instigation 
of Lieutenant Governor Lilburn W. Boggs, the militia was 
called out under command of Colonel Thomas Pitcher, one 
of the leaders of the mob of July 23. It was stated that the 
militia had* been called for the protection of the Saints, but 
it had every appearance of a mob and in its ranks were 
many of the most bitter enemies of the Church. Colonel 
Pitcher demanded that the Saints surrender their arms. This 
they refused to do unless their enemies should also be dis- 
armed. Colonel Pitcher readily agreed to this proposition to 
which Lieutenant Governor Boggs also pledged his honor. 
Another demand was that certain brethren who had been 
engaged in the battle the day before were to be surrendered 
and tried for murder. Both of these demands were com- 
plied with by the Saints. 

Misplaced Confidence. — Having confidence in the 
pledge of the lieutenant governor, the Saints returned to 
their homes feeling somewhat secure from further attacks. 
Their confidence, however, had been misplaced, for it was 
a cunning scheme of this state official, and the other lead- 
ers of the mob, to place the members of the Church in a de- 
fenseless position and then drive them from the county; 
which, forthwith, they proceeded to do. The arms were 
never taken from the members of the mob, but those taken 
from the Saints were distributed among their enemies to 
be used against them. The following day gangs of men, 
numbering sixty or more, went from house to house whip- 
ping the men, driving the women and children from their 
homes at the muzzles of their guns, and setting fire to their 

°In the spring of 1834, Governor Dunklin issued a re- 
quisition to Colonel S. D. Lucas to return the arms to the "Mor- 
mons" which were taken from them in November, 1833; but 
Lucas had resigned his commission and moved to Lexington, Mis- 
souri. A second requisition to Colonel Pitcher was contemptu- 
ously ignored. The arms were distributed among the mob and 
they boasted that they would not return them, notwithstanding 
the order of the governor of the state; and the arms were never 
returned. 



166 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

houses, to make sure their owners would not return. More 
than two hundred houses were destroyed in the several raids 
of the mob. The men who surrendered themselves under the 
charge of murder, were detained for one day and a night 
and sorely abused; then they were taken out into a corn- 
field by this same Colonel Pitcher and told to "clear !." 
meaning they were to leave immediately for parts unknown. 

The Saints in Exile. — These attacks continued for sev- 
eral days and among those directing the forces of the mob 
were several "reverend" gentlemen who took pleasure in 
these wicked deeds. By the 7th of November, the banks of 
the Missouri River were lined with refugees who had gath- 
ered in the utmost confusion, so hasty had been their flight. 
Twelve hundred souls were thus forced to seek shelter, the 
best they could, in the dead of winter, and in the midst of 
storms. Many died from exposure and the abuse otherwise 
heaped upon them and the fleeing multitude left, in the 
frozen stubble, a trail of blood from their lacerated feet. 
The exiled Saints sought refuge in the neighboring coun- 
ties, but from some of these they were again forced to flee 
before the inhospitable inhabitants among whom they found 
themselves. In Clay County, just across the river north of 
Jackson, they were received temporarily with some degree 
of kindness. 

An Attempt to Seek Redress. — Through their attor- 
neys, and by direct petition to Governor Daniel Dunklin, 
the Saints sought to repossess their property in Jackson 
County. The governor acknowledged the justice of their 
claims and expressed a willingness to furnish an "adequate 
force" to effect that object ; but he declared he had no power 
to protect them after they were once returned to their lands. 
He was also willing, so it was declared by Attorney General 
R. W. Wells, to organize them in companies of militia that 
they might aid in their restoration. The Saints knew that 
such a thing would only arouse their enemies to greater fury, 
and as no protection was guaranteed them when once re- 
stored, such an offer could not be accepted. 

Farcical Effort to Enforce the Law. — It may have 



EXPULSION FROM JACKSON COUNTY 167 

been the intention of the state officials, at the first, to re- 
store the exiles to their lands, 'but they evidently lacked the 
courage to cope with the lawless, but determined, enemies 
of the Saints. A number of leading elders were subpoenaed 
in behalf of the state to appear at the February (1834) term 
of court to be held at Independence. On the 23rd of that 
month, under the protection of Captain Atchison's com- 
pany of "Liberty Blues" — nearly fifty rank and file — these 
witnesses crossed the Missouri River bound for Independ- 
ence. That night they camped in the woods. Captain 
Atchison, becoming alarmed at the appearance of the enemy, 
sent an express to Colonel Allen for two hundred drafted 
militia, and to Liberty for more ammunition. Early the 
next morning this company marched to Independence, and 
after breakfast they were visited by District Attorney Ames 
Reese and Attorney General R. W. Wells, who informed the 
witnesses that all hopes of criminal prosecution were at an 
end. Mr. Wells had been sent by the governor to investi- 
gate the Jackson County outrages, but the bold front of the 
mob evidently intimidated the state officials who were will- 
ing to appease the wrath of the mob rather than to main- 
tain the majesty of the law. 

As soon as Captain Atchison was informed that his ser- 
vices were no longer needed, he took his witnesses and 
marched them out of town, to the tune of Yankee Doodle, 
quick time, and soon returned to camp. One of the wit- 
nesses, Elder William W. Phelps, wrote of this farcical 
proceeding as follows : "This order was issued by the court, 
apparently on the speedy gathering of the old mob, or citi- 
zens of Jackson County, and their assuming such a boister- 
ous and mobocratic appearance. Much credit is due to Cap- 
tain Atchison for his gallantry and hospitality, and I think 
I can say of the officers and company, that their conduct 
as soldiers and men, is highly reputable; so much the more, 
knowing as I do, the fatal results of the trial had the militia 
come or not come. * * * Thus ended all hopes of re- 
dress, even with a guard ordered by the governor for the 
protection of the court and witnesses." 



CHAPTER 20 

THE PATRIARCHAL PRIESTHOOD— 

ZION'S CAMP 

1833—1834 

The Patriarchal Priesthood.— December 18, 1833, a 
number of elders assembled in the printing office in Kirt- 
land and dedicated the printing- press, with all that pertained 
thereunto, unto the service of the Lord. The first sheets of 
the re-printed Evening and Morning Star were struck off, 
it having been decided to continue that periodical in Kirt- 
land until the press could be restored in Independence. 
While the elders were assembled in the printing office on 
this occasion the Prophet gave the first patriarchal bless- 
ings in this dispensation. It was his privilege to do this, for 
he held the keys of all the authority in the Church, and was 
spoken of as the first patriarch in the Church because of 
this fact, in the minutes which were kept at that time. 
Those who received blessings under his hands on this oc- 
casion were: Oliver Cowdery, the father and mother of 
the Prophet, and three of his brothers, Hyrum, Samuel and 
William Smith. Oliver Cowdery, who held the keys of 
Priesthood with the Prophet, also gave a number of patri- 
archal blessings, Joseph Smith, Sen., was ordained to the 
Patriarchal Priesthood, to hold the keys of blessing on the 
heads of all the members of the Church, the Lord reveal- 



a At a meeting held in Kirtland Sept. 11, 1833, it was decided 
that a press should be established in that place and a paper pub- 
lished to be called the "Messenger and Advocate," and that the 
"Evening and Morning Star," formerly published in Independence, 
be continued in Kirtland until it could again be published in Zion, 
which the brethren thought would be but a short time. All the 
numbers of the Star published in Independence were republished 
in quarto size. The first number of the Star was issued in June, 
1832, and the last in July, 1833, the month the press was destroyed 
by the mob. In December,, 1833, the first number in Kirtland (No. 
15) was issued, it continued until September 1834, when it was 
succeeded by the "Messenger and Advocate," 



ZION'S CAMP 169 

ing that it was his right to hold this authority. He was also 
set apart as an assistant counselor to the Prophet Joseph in 
the presidency, and at a later day Hyrum Smith, the 
Prophet's brother, and John Smith, his uncle, were set apart 
to this same calling. 

Organization of the First High Council. — The first 
high council in this dispensation was organized at the home 
of Joseph Smith in Kirtland, February 17, 1834. The First 
Presidency presided in this council and the following breth- 
ren were chosen as its members : Joseph Smith, Sen., John 
Smith, Joseph Coe, John Johnson, Martin Harris, John S. 
Carter, Jared Carter, Oliver Cowdery, Samuel H. Smith, 
Orson Hyde, Sylvester Smith and Luke S. Johnson. b Sev- 
eral days before this action was taken the Prophet had ex- 
plained the manner in which councils should be conducted. 
"No man," said he, "is capable of judging a matter in council 
unless his own heart is pure." Ancient councils were con- 
ducted with strict propriety ; no one was permitted to whis- 
per, leave the room, or think of anything but the matter be- 
fore them for consideration. If the presiding officer could 
stay, others were expected to do the same, until the Spirit 
was obtained and a righteous decision was reached. 

There were a number of cases awaiting the action of the 
high council as soon as it was organized, and within a day 
or two several trials were held and matters of discipline 
passed upon. One question considered was as follows: 
"Whether disobedience to the word of wisdom was a trans- 
gression sufficient to deprive an official member from hold- 
ing office in the Church, after having it sufficiently taught 
him?" After a free and full discussion Joseph Smith, who 
presided, gave his decision as follows : "No official member 
in this Church is worthy to hold an office after having the 
word of wisdom properly taught him; and he, the official 
member, neglecting to comply with or obey it." This de- 
cision was confirmed by unanimous vote. 



& See Doc. and Cov. Sec. 102, for procedure in High Councils 
and minutes of this organization. 



170 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Zion Shall Not be Removed. — A revelation was given 
to Joseph Smith December 16, 1833, giving the reason for 
the expulsion of the members of the Church from Jackson 
County (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 101). Nevertheless the Lord de- 
clared that Zion should "not be moved out of her place, not- 
withstanding her children are scattered." In his own due 
time he would redeem Zion, and let fall the sword of his in- 
dignation in behalf of his people. The cup of his wrath was 
to be poured out without measure upon all nations, when the 
cup of their iniquity is full. The Saints were instructed to 
"Importune for redress and redemption" before the judge, 
and if he should fail, then before the governor, and if they 
could not obtain redress from him they were to importune 
the president of the United States, and if he heeded them 
not, then the Lord would "vex the nation." The Church was 
instructed to purchase lands in Jackson and neighboring 
counties, for inheritances for the Saints. Moreover, they 
were instructed in a parable to gather together the strength 
of the Lord's house, "My young men and they that are mid- 
dle aged also among all my servants, who are the strength 
of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to 
tarry," said the Lord, "and go straightway unto the land of 
my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard, for it is mine, I have 
bought it with money." February 24, 1834, the Lord fur- 
ther declared that if his Saints would, from that time forth, 
repent and keep his commandments, they should "begin to 
prevail" against his enemies from that very hour; but if 
they polluted their inheritances they were to be thrown 
down, for he would not spare them if they polluted their in- 
heritances. "The redemption of Zion must needs come by 
power," he declared, therefore the Saints were to collect 
money and purchase lands, as they had been commanded, 
and the young and middle aged were to gather to Zion and 
seek its redemption. 

Zion's Camp. — According to this instruction, a call 
went forth asking for volunteers to go to Zion. Five hundred 
men were wanted ; yet, said the Lord : "If you cannot ob- 



Z ION'S CAMP 171 

tain five hundred, seek diligently that peradventure ye may 
obtain one hundred;" for with less than one hundred they 
were not to go. The first of May (1834) a part of these 
volunteers left Kirtland, and on the fifth Joseph Smith and 
the remainder took up their journey. At West Portage, 
about fifty miles west of Kirtland, they met and were or- 
ganized in companies for the journey. Each company was 
divided as follows : a captain, two cooks, two firemen, two 
tent-men, two water-men, one runner, two wagoners and 
horsemen, and one commissary, twelve men in all. Every 
night before retiring, at the sound of the bugle they bowed 
before the Lord in prayer in their several tents, and every 
morning, at the trumpet's call about four o'clock, every man 
again knelt in prayer, imploring the blessings of the Lord 
for the day. As they traveled they endeavored to keep their 
identity unknown so as not to arouse opposition in the coun- 
try through which they passed. As it was they were fol- 
lowed by enemies and spies, and delegations approached 
them from time to time to learn the meaning of their jour- 
ney. The following questions were frequently put and 
answered in this manner: 

"Where are you from?" 

"From the East." 

"Where are you going?" 

"To the West." 

"What for?" 

"To see where we can get land cheapest and best." 

"Who leads the camp?" 

"Sometimes one and sometimes another." 

Their journey took them through Dayton, Indianapolis, 
Springfield and Jacksonville, Illinois, and across the Missis- 
sippi River into Missouri. It was near the banks of the Il- 
linois River, west of Jacksonville, where the bones of Zelph c 
the white Lamanite, were dug up and mounds, or ancient 
altars, were discovered. This was about the first of June, 



^See Documentary Histoid of the Church, Vol. 2:79, for 
this interesting incident. 



172 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

and on the third, while still camped on the banks of the river 
refreshing themselves, the Prophet Joseph got up on a wa- 
gon and uttered this prophecy : "I said the Lord had revealed 
to me that a scourge would come upon the camp in conse- 
quence of the fractious and unruly spirits that appeared 
among them, and they should die like sheep with the rot; 
still, if they would repent and humble themselves before the 
Lord, the scourge in great measure might be turned away; 
but as the Lord lives, the members of this camp will suffer 
for giving way to their unruly temper." Even this warning 
did not prevent some of the members of the camp from mur- 
muring and finding fault against their brethren. 

Message to Governor Dunklin. — Acting on the com- 
mandment in the revelations the brethren in Missouri did 
not cease to importune the judge and the governor of the 
state, May 29, 1834, and again June 5, the Saints in Clay 
County petitioned the governor, and on the 6tli, he wrote to 
Colonel J. Thornton acknowledging the just cause of the 
Saints in this demand made of him, stating: 

"Uncommitted as I am to either party, I shall feel no 
embarrassment in doing my duty — though it may be done 
with the most extreme regret. My duty in the relation which 
I now stand to the parties, is plain and straight forward. 
* * * A more clear and indisputable right does not exist 
than that of the Mormon people, who were expelled from 
their homes in Jackson County, to return and live on their 
lands; and if they cannot be persuaded, as a matter of 
policy, to give up that right, or to qualify it, my course as 
the chief executive of the State, is a plain one. The con- 
stitution of the United States declares that, 'The citizens 
of each state shall be entitled to all the privileges and 
immunities of citizens in the several states.' : 

He then suggested to Colonel Thornton, which proposi- 
tion he also presented to the Saints, that they sell out and 
move from their possessions; or, to attempt to peaceably 
settle their difficulties, and he would attempt to get the citi- 
zens to "rescind their illegal resolves" against the "Mor- 
mons" and agree to conform to the laws, If all this should 






ZION'S CAMP 173 

fail, and they could not agree to divide their lands, then he 
would have to conform his action to that end, indicating- that 
in justice he would be bound to assist the exiles to regain 
their property. 

All such expressions led the members of the Church to 
hope for redress. Acting on this thought, about the 8th of 
June, a delegation from Zion's Camp was sent to Jefferson 
City to ascertain from the governor if he was ready to rein- 
state the Latter-day Saints on their lands in Jackson County, 
and leave them there to defend themselves, as he had pre- 
viously indicated that he would. If so, they were ready, by 
command of the Lord, to take that course. 

In the meantime the camp continued on its journey. To 
accept the governor's proposition to sell their lands, was out 
of the question ; as soon would they expect to sell their chil- 
dren, for the Lord had commanded them to retain their pos • 
sessions, or inheritances in that land. On the 15th of June, 
1834, Orson Hyde and Parley P. Pratt, the delegates, re- 
turned from Jefferson City and reported that the governor 
refused to fulfil his promise. For some reason, which is not 
explained but which may be guessed, he had received a 
change of heart, although his reason was stated to be on the 
ground of "impracticability." Such a lamentable failure on 
the part of the governor to do his duty, was a severe blow to 
the Saints. 

Threats of the Mob. — On the morning of June 19, 
1834, as the camp was passing through Richmond, Missouri, 
they were informed by a friendly farmer who entertained 
them and gave them refreshments, that they had many ene- 
mies about, and that a mob from Jackson and other counties 
was intending to intercept them before they could reach their 
brethren in Clay County. This was later confirmed. Their 
progress, by act of divine providence, was impeded which 
forced them to camp between the Little and Big Fishing riv- 
ers that night. As they were making camp five men rode 
up and told them they would "see hell before morning." 
they stated that an armed force from Ray and Clay counties 



174 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

was to join a Jackson County force at the Fishing River ford 
bent on the utter destruction of the camp. While these five 
men were in the camp, cursing and swearing vengeance, 
signs of an approaching storm were seen. No sooner had 
these men left the camp than the storm burst in all its fury. 
Hailstones so large that they cut limbs from the trees fell 
all around the camp, while the trees were twisted from their 
roots by the force of the wind. The earth trembled and 
quaked, the streams became raging torrents, and the mobbers 
dispersed seeking shelter that could not be found. One 
mobber was killed by lightning and another had his hand 
torn off by a fractious horse, and in fear they dispersed, 
saying, if that was the way God fought for the "Mormons" 
they would go about their business. On the morning of 
June 21, Colonel Sconce with two companions visited the 
camp to learn what the intention of the members were. He 
said : "I see there is an almighty power that protects this 
people, for I started from Richmond, Ray County, with a 
company of armed men, having a fixed determination to 
destroy you, but was kept back by the storm. The Prophet 
related to these men the sufferings of the Saints, and the)' 
left the camp offering to use their influence to allay the ex- 
citement which prevailed. During all this storm the mem- 
bers of the camp were protected from its fury. 

Judge Ryland's Proposition. — Evidently with the best 
of intentions, Judge John F. Ryland, on the 10th of June. 
1834, wrote to Algernon S. Gilbert offering to call a meet- 
ing in Liberty on the 16th, for the purpose of allaying the 
"disturbances between the Mormons and the citizens of 
Jackson County." A similar communication was sent to 
prominent citizens of Jackson County. In their answer 
Elders John Corrill and A. S. Gilbert expressed a willing- 
ness to meet, but declared that under no condition would 
the Saints sell their property in Jackson County. On the 
16th, the proposed meeting was held. A deputation from 
Jackson County was present and made a proposition to this 
effect : They would buy all the lands that the "Mormons" 



ZION'S CAMP 175 

own in Jackson County, and also all improvements, the 
value of said land to be . determined by three disinterested 
parties; twelve of the "Mormons" would be permitted to 
go into Jackson County, to show their lands and improve- 
ments; the purchase was to be made within thirty days af- 
ter the decision was reached, and one hundred per cent 
would be added to the appraisement. On the other hand, 
the "Mormons" were offered all the lands of the citizens of 
Jackson on the same terms. This proposition was signed 
by ten men who stated they were authorized to take this 
action. 

After the reading of the proposition Samuel C. Owens. 
one of the Jackson committee, made a war speech and was 
followed by Rev. Riley who declared that "the Mormons 
have lived long enough in Clay County ; and they must 
clear out, or be cleared out." The moderator of the meeting. 
Mr. Turnham, replied : "Let us be republicans ; let us honor 
our country, and not disgrace it like Jackson County ; don't 
disfranchise or drive away the Mormons. They are better 
citizens than many of the old inhabitants." General A. W. 
Doniphan arose and said: "That's a fact, and. as the Mor- 
mons have armed themselves, if they don't fight they are 
cowards. I love to hear that they have brethren coming to 
their assistance. Greater love can no man show, than he 
who lays down his life for his brethren." At this instant 
pistols and knives were drawn and the cry was raised at the 
door that a man was stabbed. The mass instantly rushed out 
to see what had happened, and the meeting broke up in con- 
fusion. 

Unfairness of the Proposition. — Reflecting on the 

proposition offered by the mob committee from Jackson, the 
Prophet Joseph writes : "It may be thought, at first view, 
that the mob committee made a fair proposition to the Saints, 
in offering to buy their lands at a price fixed by disinter- 
ested arbitrators, and one hundred per centum added thereto, 
payment to be made in thirty days, and offering theirs on 
the same terms ; but when it is understood that the mob 



176 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

held possession of a much larger quantity of land than the 
Saints, and that they only offered thirty days for the pay- 
ment, having previously robbed the Saints of nearly every- 
thing, it will be readily seen that they were only making a 
sham to cover their previous unlawful conduct." To meet 
this proposition, which was not made in sincerity, the Saints 
would have been under the necessity of raising in thirty days 
approximately six hundred thousand dollars, a thing out 
of reason, which the mobbers knew. Moreover, they were 
well aware of the fact that the Saints would not sell although 
ten times the value of the land were offered, for the Lord 
had commanded them to hold to their inheritances. 

Counter Proposition of the Saints. — Some time later 
a counter proposition was made by the Saints to the Mis- 
sourians. They offered to buy out all those who were un- 
willing to dwell in Jackson County with them in peace, on 
such terms as had been offered except that the payment 
would be made in one year. A committee of twelve, six 
from each side were to determine the value of the lands. It 
is needless to say that the proposition was not received very 
kindly by these hypocrites and deceivers. 

Word of the Lord at Fishing River. — While the camp 
was on Fishing River the word of the Lord came to Jo- 
seph Smith (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 105) stating that it was nor 
required of the camp to continue the journey for the re- 
demption of Zion. The camp had been brought to the bor- 
ders of Jackson County, "for a trial of their faith." Plow- 
ever, if it had not been for transgression of the people, the 
Lord declared, "they might have been redeemed even now." 
But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the 
things which I required at their hands, but are full of all 
manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as be- 
cometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them, and 
are not united according to the union required by the law 
of the celestial kingdom. And Zion cannot be built up un- 
less it is by the principles of the law of the celestial king- 
dom, otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself; and my 



ZION'S CAMP m 

people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if 
it must needs be by the things which they suffer. I speak 
not concerning those who are appointed to lead my people, 
who are the first elders of my church, for they are not all 
under this condemnation; but I speak concerning my 
churches abroad — there are many who will say, Where is 
their God? Behold, he will deliver them in time of trouble, 
otherwise we will not go up unto Zion, and will keep our 
moneys. Therefore, in consequence of the transgression of 
my people, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait 
for a little season for the redemption of Zion. ,,rf The elders 
were to be endowed with power from on high in the house of 
the Lord at Kirtland, and be taught more perfectly in doc- 
trine and have experience and a better knowledge of their 
duties, before Zion could be redeemed. This was one reason 
for the building of the temple in Kirtland. 

Disbanding of the Camp. — On the 23rd of June 
(1834), the camp continued its march and the next day ar- 
rived near the home of Algernon Sidney Gilbert on Rush 
Creek, where, on the morning of the 25th, in compliance 
with the revelation of the 22nd, the camp was separated into 
small groups to quiet the feelings of the people, and dis- 
persed among the brethren who were residing in Clay County. 

The Prophecy Fulfilled. — As soon as the camp ar- 
rived on Rush Creek, the cholera broke out among the 
members and continued for several days. The victims were 
seized suddenly and so powerful was the disease that with- 
in a few minutes some of the brethren were dead. About 
sixty-eight members were attacked and fourteen died. 
Among the number who succumbed was Algernon Sidney 

d In a letter to the high council in Zion the Prophet said : "Now, 
my beloved brethren, you will learn by this we have a great work 
to do, and but little time to do it in; and if we do not exert our- 
selves to the utmost in gathering up the strength of the Lord's 
house that this thing may be accomplished, behold there remaineth 
a scourge for the Church, even that they shall be driven from 
city to city, and but few shall remain to receive an inheritance." 
This had reference to preparations "against the time" when the 
Lord should call them again to the redemption of Zion. 
13 



178 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Gilbert, keeper of the Lord's storehouse in Zion, and one of 
the stalwart leaders who had stood in defense of the liberty 
and lives of the Saints in Jackson County. 

Organization of the High Council in Missouri. — The 
day after the revelation was given regarding the endow- 
ments (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 105), a council of high priests met 
and called a number of individuals to receive these blessings 
in the house of the Lord; and on the 3rd. of July, 1834, the 
high priests assembled and a high council for the Church in 
Missouri was organized agreeable to the revelation and pat- 
tern given in Kirtland. Six days later the Prophet started 
back for Kirtland with a number of the brethren. 

What the Camp Accomplished. — While the object for 
which Zion's Camp was organized and for which they made 
the journey, as understood by the members, was not at- 
tained, yet without question they did accomplish all that the 
Lord expected of them. So he stated in the Fishing River 
revelation. Their faith was tried; experience had been 
gained by which men were to be chosen for responsible pos- 
itions in the Church in days to come, and the work of the 
Lord advanced ; but in addition to all this the Lord was pre- 
paring men through this experience for the responsibility 
of moving the entire people, of the Latter-day Saints in the 
great exodus to the West, which was later to come. The 
purposes of the Lord do not fail and all things are turned 
to his advantage. 



Chapter 2i 

CHOOSING OF THE TWELVE AND SEVENTY- 
DEDICATION OF THE KIRTLAND 
TEMPLE 1834—1836 

Charges Against the Prophet. — As already stated, 
there was some dissension in Zion's Camp on the way to 
Missouri. One of the chief offenders on that trip was Syl- 
vester Smith, and when he returned to Kirtland he repeated 
many of his grievances against the Prophet Joseph Smith. 
This resulted in a trial before the Bishop, Newel K. Whit- 
ney, and the high priests, and after a full investigation. 
the Prophet was vindicated and Sylvester Smith after much 
persuasion made confession of his wrongdoing, and repented 
of his sin. 

The Law of Tithing. — Up to this time the Saints had 
donated of their means according to their disposition for the 
support of the Church. In Zion and Kirtland the law of 
consecration had been given ; but it had not been generally 
practiced, and since the driving of the Saints from their 
homes, they were compelled to seek a living individually 
after the manner of the world. In the fall of 1834, Joseph 
Smith and Oliver Cowdery set an example for the Church by 
covenanting with the Lord that they would give one-tenth 
of all he should give them, to be bestowed upon the poor, as 
Jacob had covenanted centuries before. This was nearly 
four years before this law of tithing was given to the 
Church. (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 119.) 

Oliver Cowdery Assistant President. — December 5. 
1834, Oliver Cowdery was ordained by Joseph Smith by the 
command of the Lord, an Assistant President of the High 
Priesthood, to hold the keys of presidency with Joseph 
Smith in this ministry. This was in harmony with the or- 
dinations he received under the hands of John the Baptist 
and other holy messengers in 1829. a 



a The record which gives an account of this ordination has this 
to say : "The office of Assistant President is to assist in presid- 



180 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Temporary Peace. — Notwithstanding the Saints in 
Missouri were not permitted to return to their possessions, 
the spirit of opposition began to subside for a season, and the 
elders commenced going forth two by two, preaching the 
Gospel throughout the land, and many were added to the 
Church daily. The year 1834 came to a close with the 
Saints laboring diligently to build the house of the Lord in 
Kirtland, and in preparing for the School of the Elders 
which was to be held during the winter months. In Janu- 
ary, 1835, the School of the Elders commenced. Lectures 
on theology were given and the study of the scriptures and 
other subjects were considered for the benefit of the mem- 
bers of the Church, in keeping with the revelations of the 
Lord. 

Twelve Apostles Chosen. — On the 14th of February, 
1835, Brigham Young and his brother Joseph came to the 
house of President Joseph Smith and sang for him. While 
they were visiting with the Prophet on this occasion he told 
them that he desired to call together all those who were 
members of Zion's Camp, for he had a blessing for them. At 
this meeting he conversed with these two brethren on the 
scenes of their memorable journey and said: "Brethren, I 



ing over the whole Church, and to officiate in the absence of the 
President, according to his rank and appointment, viz.; President 
Cowdery, first; President Rigdon, second, and President Williams, 
third, as they were severally called. The office of this Priesthood 
is also to act as spokesman, taking Aaron for an example. The 
virtue of the above Priesthood is to hole! the keys of the kingdom 
of heaven or the Church militant" (MS. History of the Church 
Book A, Chapter 1). 

The account of Oliver's ordination is given in the same record 
as follows : "After addressing the throne of mercy, President Smith 
laid hands upon High "Counselor Cowdery, and ordained him to 
the Presidency of the High Priesthood in the Church, saying: 
'Brother, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who was cruci- 
fied for the sins of the world, that we through the virtue of his 
blood might come to the Father, I lay my hands upon thy head, 
and ordain thee a President of the High and Holy Priesthood, to 
assist in presiding over the Church, and bearing the keys of this 
kingdom— which Priesthood is after the order of Melchizedek— 
which is after the order of the Son of God.' ' 



CHOOSING OF THE TWELVE 181 

have seen those men who died of the cholera in our camp; 
and the Lord knows, if I get a mansion as bright as theirs, 
I ask no more." At this he wept and could not speak for 
some time. He then said the Lord had called Brigham 
Young to be one of the twelve special witnesses, and Joseph 
Young to be a president of the seventies. 

A meeting was called for the 14th of February, and on 
that day all the members of Zion's Camp that could be called 
together assembled to receive such blessings as the Lord had 
promised them. President Joseph Smith then stated that the 
object of the meeting was to choose men for important posi- 
tions in the ministry to go forth and prune the vineyard for 
the last time. He had been commanded by the Lord to pre- 
pare for the calling of Twelve Apostles, in fulfilment of the 
revelation given before the organization of the Church (Doc. 
and Cov. Sec. 18.) These twelve men were to be chosen from 
among those who went up in Zion's Camp, and the three 
special witnesses to the Book of Mormon were to select and 
ordain them. After the usual opening exercises and ap- 
propriate instructions a recess was taken for one hour. When 
the meeting was later called to order the three witnesses 
were blessed by the laying on of hands by the presidency : 
they then united in prayer and proceeded to make choice of 
the Twelve Apostles. Their names in the order in which 
they were chosen are as follows : b 
1. Lvman E. Tohnson, 7. William E. McLellin; 



Brigham Young, 8. John F. Boynton. 

Heber C. Kimball, 9. Orson Pratt, 

Orson Hyde, 10. William Smith, 

David W. Patten, 11. Thomas B. Marsh, 

Luke S. Johnson, 12. Parley P. Pratt. 



fr Later they were arranged in order of precedence according 
to age as follows : 

1. Thomas B. Marsh, 7. Parlev P. Pratt, 

2. David W. Patten, 8. Luke S. Johnson, 

3. Brigham Young, 9. William Smith, 

4. Heber C. Kimball, 10. Orson Pratt, 

5. Orson Hyde, 11. John F. Boynton, 

6. William E. McLellin, 12. I yman E. Johnson 



182 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

The witnesses then proceeded to ordain these brethren, 
and the first three were ordained at that meeting. The fol- 
lowing day all the others except Parley P. Pratt, who was 
absent, Thomas B. Marsh and Orson Pratt, who were on a 
mission, were ordained. Parley P. Pratt was ordained Feb- 
uary 21 ; Thomas B. Marsh on April 25 and Orson 
Pratt the following day. 

A charge was given to these brethren by President Oli- 
ver Cowdery, and items of valuable instruction were im- 
parted by President Joseph Smith. In this way another im- 
portant step in the development of the Priesthood and the or- 
ganization of the Church was accomplished. 

The Seventy.— On the 28th of February, 1835, another 
meeting was called and selection was made from those who 
went to Missouri in Zion's Camp to create the first quorum 
of seventy. Hazen Aldrich, Joseph Young, Levi W. Han- 
cock, Leonard Rich, Zebedee Coltrin, Lyman Sherman and 
Sylvester Smith were called to the office of presidents of 
this quorum of seventy. These brethren and those ap- 
pointed to form the quorum* were ordained under the hands 
of the First Presidency. This was another step toward the 
completion of the ministry and perfect development of the 
latter day work. Each step came in its turn, and in like 
manner the doctrines of the kingdom were unfolded, here a 
little and there a little, until the perfect organization was 
established on the earth. 

Blessings of Those Who Built the Temple.— Another 
conference was called March 7, for the purpose of blessing 
those who had assisted, by labor or other means, in the 
building of the Kirtland Temple, which was nearing com- 
pletion. This conference continued during the 8th, and all 
those who were available were blessed with special blessings 
who had assisted in this necessary work preparatory to the 
receiving of the promised endowment. 






c For the names of those who formed this quorum of seventy 
see the Documentary History of the Church, Vol. 2:203; and 
for the names of the members of Zion's Camp see the same vol- 
ume, pages 183-5. 



CHOOSING OF THE TWELVE 183 

The Great Revelation oin Priesthood. — The Twelve 
Apostles met in council, March 12, 1835, and were appointed 
by the presidency to a mission through the Eastern States, 
visiting the branches and regulating the affairs of the 
Church therein. March 28, as they were about ready to 
depart, they sought the Prophet for a blessing by revelation 
from the Lord. "We have unitedly asked God our heavenly 
Father to grant unto us," they said, "through his seer a 
revelation of his mind and will concerning our duty the com- 
ing season, even a great revelation, that will enlarge our 
hearts, comfort us in adversity, and brighten our hopes 
amidst the powers of darkness." They were not disap- 
pointed, for the Lord gave unto them a great revelation on 
Priesthood (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 107) in which the various of- 
fices, and the powers pretaining thereto, were fully defined. 
It was explained that there are two Priesthoods in the 
Church, "namely, the Melchizedek and the Aaronic, includ- 
ing the Levitical Priesthood. Why the first is called the 
Melchizedek Priesthood, is because Melchizedek was such 
a great High Priest. Before his day it was called The Holy 
Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God; but out of 
respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to 
avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the 
Church in ancient days, called that Priesthood after Mel- 
chizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood. All other author- 
ities or offices in the Church are appendages to this Priest- 
hood. " d Immediately following the giving of this revelation 
which sets forth the duties of the twelve, the apostles started 
en their first missionary journey as they had been ap- 
pointed. 

The Book of Abraham. — On the 3rd of July, 1835, 
Michael H. Chandler, came to Kirtland exhibiting four 
mummies and some rolls of papyrus covered with hierogly- 
phic figures. Mr. Chandler had been directed to the Prophet 

<TThis important revelation should receive careful study for 
few revelations have been given containing greater instruction 
for the Church. 



184 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Joseph Smith as one who could translate the characters for 
him. At his request Joseph Smith gave a translation of a 
few of them which Mr. Chandler stated agreed with the 
decipherings of learned men who had examined them. He 
gave the Prophet a certificate to this effect. Shortly after 
this interview some of the Saints in Kirtland purchased 
the mummies and the manuscripts, and, with Oliver Cow- 
dery and Wm. W. Phelps as scribes, the Prophet commenced 
to translate these records. To their great joy they discov 
ered that one of these rolls contained writings of Abraham, 
or instructions given to him in Egypt from the Lord. The 
other contained writings of Joseph, son of Jacob. During 
the summer the Prophet prepared for the complete transla- 
tion of the Book of Abraham, as it is called, which now ap- 
pears in the Pearl of Great Price/ one of the accepted stand- 
ard works of the Church. 

The Doctrine and Covenants. — A general assembly of 
the Church was held in Kirtland, August 17, 1835, to con- 
sider the labors, of a committee appointed by a general 
assembly of the Church, September 24, 1834, for the pur- 
pose of arranging the items of doctrine and the revelations 
for publication. This committee was composed of the fol- 
lowing': Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon 
and Frederick G. Williams. The committee having fin- 
ished their work they called a general assembly on the 
above date to consider their labors. It should be under- 
stood that the printing of the revelations according to the 
action of- the conference of the Church, on a previous date 
in 1831, had miscarried, due to the destruction of the print- 
ing press in Independence in July, 1833, and the destruction 



/This Book of Abraham, like the Book of Moses, which also 
appears in the Pearl of Great Price, is another addition to our 
collection of lost scripture which the Lord, through his wisdom, 
has restored. These records contain many important revelations, 
and should be carefully read. The history of the discovery of these 
rolls of papyrus, and the guiding hand of the Lord which placed 
them in the hands of Joseph Smith, is set forth in the Docu- 
mentary History of the Church, Vol. 2:348-51. See also "Mes- 
senger and Advocate," Dec. 1835, 



CHOOSING OF THE TWELVE 185 

of most of the forms which had been issued up to that time. 
At this general assembly Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rig- 
don, of the presidency, were in charge ; the Prophet and 
Frederick G. Williams were at the time on a visit in Michi- 
gan. All the quorums of the Priesthood were arranged in 
order ; Thomas Burdick, Warren Parrish and Sylvester 
Smith were appointed clerks. The usual procedure at con- 
ferences of the Church was followed, and the morning 
session was devoted to ordinations and the transaction of 
other important business. In the afternoon Oliver Cowdery 
introduced the "Book of Doctrine and Covenants of the 
Church" in behalf of the committee. Sidney Rigdon fol- 
lowed with instructions pertaining to the manner of voting, 
by which they intended to obtain the voice of the assembly 
for or against the book. Each of the" councils -and quorums 
of the Priesthood then by separate vote acknowledged' the 
revelations which had been selected for a place in the book, 
as from the Lord, and the doctrine and covenants of their 
faith. A written acknowledgment from the Twelve Apos- 
tles, which had evidently been prepared before their depart- 
ure for their mission, was read.. It is as follows: . . 

TESTIMONY OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES TQ -THE TRUTH OF '~ 
THE BOOK OF DOCTRINE" AND COVENANTS.^ O' '' : 



"The testimony of the Witnesses to the. Book of the 
Lord's Commandments, zchich commandments he gave to 
his Church through Joseph Smith, Jr., who -was appointed) 
by the voice of the CKurch, for this purposed' -' — -" *■"•" - 

■"We therefore, feel willing to .bear,. testimony to, all the 
world of mankind, to every creature upon the face of all 
the earth, that the. Lord has borne record to our souls, 
through the Holy Ghost shed forth upon us, that .these com- 
mandments were given by inspiration of God, and are profit- 
able for all men, and are verily true. We give this testi- 
mony unto the world, the Lord being our helper; and it is 
through the grace of God the Father, and His Son Jesus 
Christ, that we are permitted to have this privilege- of - 
bearing this testimony unto the world* in th§ which :we re» ; 



186 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

joice exceedingly, praying the Lord always that the chil 

dren of men may be profited thereby. 

Thomas B. Marsh, Parley P. Pratt, 

David W. Patten, Luke S. Johnson, 

Brigham Young, William Smith, 

Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, 

Orson Hyde, John F. Boynton, 

William E. McLellin, Lyman E. Johnson." 

To the revelations were added by vote of this assembly, 
the Lectures on Faith, which had been given in the School 
of the Elders (Prophets) earlier in the year, and an article 
on Government and Laws in General ; also one on Marriage. 
These lectures and the two articles mentioned were not re- 
ceived, however, as doctrine and binding on the Church, as 
were the revelations. The minutes of this gathering were 
signed by Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon as Presidents, 
and by the three clerks. They were published in the book 
when printed, with a preface signed by the presidency, with 
date of February 17, 1835. 

Close of the Year 1835.— The close of the year 1835 
found the Prophet busy working on the Book of Abraham, 
which, among other great truths, revealed principles per- 
taining to astronomy as taught to Abraham. Many coun- 
cil meetings were held, and the twelve were instructed that 
they were to take their families and move to Missouri the 
following summer with the presidency, after the endowment 
in the temple was received. The School of the Elders was 
continued, and the study of grammar and Hebrew, under 
a competent instructor, became an important part of their 
work. The elders were preparing for the solemn assembly 
which was soon to convene in the Kirtland Temple, now 
nearly completed. Peace and tranquility prevailed, which 
permitted the Prophet and the Saints to accomplish many 
things essential to the welfare of the Church. The one 
thing that marred the peace which was granted for a sea- 
son was the rebellious spirit manifested by William Smith 
against the Prophet, which nearly cost William his standing 



CHOOSING OF THE TWELVE 187 



DOCTRINE ASD COVENANTS 



OF 



THE CHCacH OF.THi: 

* 

LATTER DAY SAINTS* 



FROM THE 'REVELATIONS OF GOT), 

A*J> COMPILED B? 



JOSEPH SMITH Junior* 
our Ell COWPEUY, 
SIDNEY RIG DON, 
FREDERICK G. WILLIAM^ 

[Prctatis* JE&fcrs qfswd Chmck.j 



PROPBJETOIIS. 



KIBTIiAN^, OHIO. 

PRINTED BY F. G, WILLIAMS & CO. 
> FOB THE 
PROPRIETORS. 
1835. 



TITLE PAGE OF THE FIRST EDITION OF THE DOCTRINE AND 
COVENANTS 



188 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

in the Church. Charges were made against him before 
the high council, but on his show of repentance he was for- 
given. Christian Whitmer, one of the eight witnesses to 
the Book of Mormon, died in Clay County, Missouri, No- 
vember 27, 1835, firm in the faith. He was one of the 
members of the high council in Missouri. 

Anointing and Blessings in the Temple. — Much time 
was spent in January and February, 1836, in council meet- 
ings and the filling of vacancies in the various organizations 
of the Priesthood. Professor Seixas, a thorough Hebrew 
scholar, was employed to teach the Hebrew language, in the 
stead of Dr. Piexotto, who had failed to live up to his con- 
tract. Thursday, January 21, the first of a number of meet- 
ings in the temple was held. These gatherings continued 
through several days, in which the faithful elders of the 
Church received blessings by the laying on of hands and 
anointing with oil. 

At this first meeting the presidency met, and Father 
Joseph Smith, the patriarch, was anointed and blessed. He 
then anointed and blessed each of the brethren of the presi- 
dency, beginning with the oldest, pronouncing such bless- 
ings upon them as the Spirit of the Lord revealed, and 
many prophecies were uttered by each of them. 

A Vision. — -While thus engaged the heavens were 
opened and the Prophet received the following vision : 

; "I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory 
thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell. I saw the 
transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of 
that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames 
of fire ; also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated 
the Father and the Son. I saw the beautiful streets of that 
kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with 
gold. I saw Fathers Adam and Abraham, and my father 
and mother, my brother, Alvin, that has long since slept, 
and marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance 
in the kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before 
the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time 
and had not been baptized for the remission of sins. 



CHOOSING OF THE TWELVE 189 

"Thus came the voice of the Lord to me, saying — 
" 'All who have died without a knowledge of this Gospel, 
who would have received it if they had been permitted to 
tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; also 
all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who 
would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs 
of that kingdom ; for I, the Lord, will judge all men accord- 
ing to their works ; according to the desire of their hearts.' 
"And I also beheld that all children who die before they 
arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celes- 
tial kingdom of heaven." 

Many other wonderful manifestations they beheld, and 
angels ministered to them; the power of the Lord rested 
upon them and the house was filled with the glory of God. 
The Prophet's scribe, Warren Parrish, saw the armies of 
heaven, and visions of the redemption of Zion 

At this and succeeding meetings the various councils and 
presiding officers in the several quorums, each in turn, re- 
ceived blessings by the anointing of oil and laying on of 
hands, such as the patriarch and presidency had received, 
and the visions of heaven were opened to their view with 
wonderful manifestations of the glory and power of God, 
and they shouted, "Hosanna to God and the Lamb." 

The Solemn Assembly. — In the city of Kirtland on 
Sunday, March 27, 1836, the members of the Church real- 
ized their hopes, long anticipated, when they gathered in 
the temple in solemn assembly. As early as 1832, the Lord 
had given commandment for the building of a house to his 
name, for such a place was not to be found on the earth ; 
nor had there been for many centuries. The ground was 
broken for this building, June 5, 1833 ; the corner stones 
were laid on the 23rd of the following month — the same 
day the Saints in Jackson County were forced by mob vio- 
lence from their homes. Now the house was finished; a 
monument to the faith and industry of the little band of 
Latter-day Saints who had constructed it in their poverty, 
amidst the threatened violence of enemies. It is a building 
of no mean proportions; built of stone-; eighty feet in 



190 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

length, sixty in width, fifty feet to the square, with a tower 
one hundred ten feet from the ground. The 27th of March, 
1836, was a solemn and momentous occasion. Long before 
the appointed hour the building was thronged with eager 
and interested people, many were turned away for lack of 
room. At nine o'clock the session was called to order by 
President Sidney Rigdon, who, in the midst of breathless 
silence, read the 96th and the 24th psalms. The choir then 
sang: "Ere long the veil will rend in twain," — which decla- 
ration was to be fulfilled earlier than the congregation real- 
ized. After prayer and another song appropriate remarks 
were made, and then the various officers of the Church were 
sustained by separate vote, which procedure was interspersed 
with singing. , 

The Prayer of Dedication.-— The prayer of dedication 
which had been given by revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 109) 
was offered and the house was presented to the Lord/ Fol- 
lowing the prayer, the congregation sang the hymn Ho- 
sanna* which had been written for this occasion, and then 
shouted "Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna, to God and the 
Lamb," sealing it with "Amen, Amen, and Amen." Angels 
were present and the Holy Spirit, like the sound of a mighty 
rushing wind, filled the house and rested upon the assembly. 
The people of the neighborhood came running together 
hearing a strange sound and seeing a bright light resting on 
the temple. The house had been accepted by the Lord. 

Endowments Given. — As soon as the Temple was ded- 
icated, ordinance work for the elders was commenced. The 
ordinance of washing of feet — which the Prophet said was 
never intended but for the official members of the Church 7 * — 
was attended to in behalf of the leading quorums, and other 
ordinances were performed. The Savior appeared to sev- 
eral of the brethren and angels ministered to others in these 
It was indeed a time of Pentecost to the Saints. 



/These ceremonies were repeated for the benefit of those who 
could not gain admittance at the first session. 
g'The Spirit of God like a fire is burning." 
^Documentary History of the Church. Vol. 2:309. 



CHOOSING OF THE TWELVE 



191 




fy8 




' : ■,:■ 



THE KIRTLAND TEMPLE 

The Coming of Moses, Elias and Elijah. — After the 
administering of the Sacrament in the temple at the meet- 
ing held Sunday, April 3, 1836, Joseph Smith and Oliver 
Cowdery retired to the pulpit, the veils 1 ' being dropped, and 
there bowed in silent prayer. After rising from their knees 



♦There were four veils in the temple arranged crosswise, so 
that they could be lowered and divide the assembly room into four 
parts. 



Wl ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

the Savior appeared to them standing on the breast-work 
of the pulpit and blessed them, accepting the building in his 
name. After this vision closed, the heavens were again 
opened, and Moses appeared committing to them the keys of 
the gathering of Israel; Elias, who lived in the days of 
Abraham, then appeared, and committed to them the keys of 
the dispensation of the Gospel of Abraham. Then another 
glorious vision burst upon them and Elijah appeared and 
committed to them the keys, in fulfilment of the prediction 
of Malachi, of the turning of the hearts of the fathers to 
the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, 
which was to be done before the coming of the great and 
dreadful day of the Lord.' 

The Elders Prepared to Teach. — In the revelation 
given on Fishing River (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 105) the Lord 
had said the elders must be endowed with power from on 
high before they would be fully prepared to go forth to 
build up the Church and "prune" his vineyard. This en- 
dowment having now been received, and the various keys 
of different dispensations having now been restored, the 
elders were prepared for their ministry among the nations 
of the earth. Following these blessings they began to go 
forth, spreading abroad in all parts of the land, preaching 
the word in power as they had never experienced it before, 
and many received their testimony and were numbered 
among the people of the Lord. 



*See Doc. and Cov. Sec. 110, for an account of these visions. 



CHAPTER 22 

CLAY COUNTY REJECTS THE SAINTS— APOS- 
TASY AND SORROW 

1836—1837 

Dishonorable Action of Governor Dunklin. — Gover- 
nor Daniel Dunklin, of Missouri, who showed some 
sense of honor and willingness to enforce the law at 
the' beginning of the trouble in Jackson County, later 
manifested a spirit of fellowship with the stronger side, 
against right and justice — a trait common with many 
politicians. In a communication to William W. Phelps 
and others, bearing date of July 18, 1836, he cravenly 
insinuated that the mobbings and expulsion of the Lat- 
ter-day Saints from Jackson County, was due to faults 
of their own; the people would not have united against 
them, without some reason, and while they had some 
friends at first even these had forsaken them. Whether 
his conclusion was right or wrong, he maintained it to 
be the duty of the Saints to convince their enemies of 
their innocence and worthiness. "If you cannot do this,'* 
he wrote, "all I can say to you is that in this Republic 
the vox populi is the vox Dei." Such was the contempti- 
ble answer of the governor of a sovereign state, to an 
innocent people, driven from their homes and smitten 
by their enemies, because of their faith in the Gospel 
of our Redeemer. 

Clay County Rejects the Saints. — When the exiled 
Saints were driven from Jackson County, they found a 
place of refuge in Clay County, just over the Missouri 
River to the north. Here the people were hospitable 
and kindly disposed. The Saints had no intention of 
remaining in Clay County, for they fully expected to 
be restored to their former homes. After exhausting 
every source of redress, even to an appeal to the Presi- 
dent of the United States, they prepared to make per- 
manent settlement by purchasing lands. As time passed 

14 



1 : - ESSEXTIALS IX IHUR XX HISTORY 

and :he indication pointed to the gathering :: the Lat- 
ter-day Saints in that count}-, the citizens became 
alarmed. The oeteie from Jackson were :onstantly men- 
acing the Saints, even though they were peacefully 
minding their business in their new homes, but wrong 
begets wrong and the ieep-seated hatred of these mob- 
bers had no end. Finally the citizens of Clay Muuty 
:r:::f: :; a: the wrong thing, t: their everlasting in- 
u r y . and ri d themselves : n : e and for all, from the 
danger which they felt confronted them by harboring 
the Mormons then: midst That there was a danger 

:f DonfHct there can be no question with the menacing 
influence on toe south and growing hatred, because :: 
association :: toe mobbers with many :f toe residents 
:f the county t; the north. However, these Clay County 
o teas preferred to expel the Saint? in a gentle 

:ould be lone A mass meeting was held June 29, 
1836 for the o mrpose :f presenting with united front 
i petition t: the nndesirable exiles kindly resquesting 
them to move to some part of the country where they 
::..:. he entirely by themselves The new country :: 
Wisconsin was suggested at a suitable place A report 
:: conditions as they onderstood them and resolutions 
embodying then request --ere unanimrusiy are raved. 
They did not fail to call attention t: their great hos- 
pitality and kindness in LSer when they received the 
exiles among them and endeavored to impress upon 
the Saints the thought that they "ere ievoid of u one 
spark of gratitude'" if they refused t: accept the sugges- 
tions offered to depart in oe;.:e to a more :ongc 

tty Yet they frankly admitted, ''we do not intend 
that we have the least right to expel them by force 
but if they would not go they were sure :: would lea 
tc ::■ h war tearing ruin, woe, an: lesolation, in its 
: oarse." 

Some of the reasons why toe Mormons ha: 
;': e : t s ;: toe deepest hatred and detestation 



CLAY COUNTY REJECTS THE SAINTS 195 

of the citizens were declared in the petition to be as 
follows : 

"They are eastern men, whose manners, habits, cus- 
toms, and even dialect, are essentially different from 
our own. They are non-slave-holders, and opposed to 
slavery, which in this peculiar period, when Abolition- 
ism has reared its deformed and haggard visage in our 
land, is well calculated to excite deep and abiding pre- 
judices in any community where slavery is . tolerated 
and protected. 

"In addition to all this, they are charged, as they 
have hitherto been, with keeping up a constant commun- 
ication with our Indian tribes on our frontiers, with de- 
claring, even from the pulpit, that the Indians are a 
part of God's chosen people and are destined by heaven 
to inherit this land, in common with themselves. We 
do not vouch for the correctness of these statements ; 
but whether they are true or false, their effect has been 
the same in exciting our community. In times of greater 
tranquility, such ridiculous remarks might w.ell be re- 
garded as the offspring of frenzied fanaticism ; but at 
this time, our defenseless situation on the frontier, the 
bloody disasters of our fellow citizens in Florida, and 
other parts of the South, all tend to make a portion of 
our citizens regard such sentiments with horror if not 
alarm. These and many other causes have combined to 
raise a prejudice against them; and a feeling of hostil- 
ity, that the first spark may, and we deeply fear will, 
ignite into all the horrors and desolations of a civil war, 
the worst evil that can befall any country." 

For these real and fancied "wrongs" this people 
tmust move again, for their presence was obnoxious. 
These foolish citizens, acting as they thought in their 
own best interests, rejected the everlasting Gospel 
against themselves, as well as the people who proclaimed 
it. 

The Saints' Reply.— Three days later (July 1, 1836), 
the Saints met in council and formulated their reply. 
They accepted the requisitions of the citizens of Clay 






196 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

County, notwithstanding the added loss of property that 
would be entailed. They also thanked these citizens for 
their hospitality during the period of the sojourn among 
them, which covered a period of more than two and 
one half years. Let it be said that many of these citizens 
sympathized with the "Mormons" and proffered material 
help to aid them in the removal from the county; but in 
this drastic action they were acting, as they sincerely 
thought, in the best interests of their communities. 

When the First Presidency heard of this ultimatum 
they fully endorsed the action taken by the Missouri 
Saints, and in a communication to the Clay County 
committee notified them of the fact. They also took 
occasion to inform the committee of many other things, 
in humility, which should have appealed to their sense 
of justice and touched their hearts. a 

Caldwell County Organized. — In pursuance of this 
action the Saints began to move from Clay County as 
soon as circumstances would permit, and located on Shoal 
Creek, in an uninhabited section in the north part of Ray 
County. The property of the few settlers in that part, they 
purchased, and commenced to build their homes. By De- 
cember, 1836, a goodly number had taken up their residence 
there and a petition was sent to the governor asking for a 
county organization. This petition was granted about the 
middle of that month. This organization, and the prospect 
of a peaceful habitation, gave impetus to the growth of the 
"Mormon" colonies, and the County of Caldwell, as it was 
called, "grew like Jonah's gourd." & 

The Kirtland Safety Society.— Affairs in Kirtland had 
been progressing smoothly for some time, and many bless- 
ings were bestowed upon the people. Such a condition, how- 
ever, was not to last. On the 2nd of November, 1836, 



°The minutes of these meetings and the communications in- 
volved in the question of the removal of the Saints are found in 
full in the Documentary History of the Church, Vol. 2:448-462. 

& The Missourians were willing — feeling that the section 
chosen by the "Mormons" was of little value. 






CLAY COUNTY REJECTS THE SAINTS 197 

articles of agreement were prepared for the organization 
of the "Kirtland Safety Society Bank." the State of Ohio, 
through prejudice, refused to grant a charter, so the mat- 
ter rested until January, 1837, when a society was organ- 
ized within the provisions of the law. Stock was sub- 
scribed for and the business commenced. During this year 
(1837) speculation was at high ebb throughout the entire 
nation. The Latter-day Saints in Kirtland partook of that 
spirit; several business ventures had failed to come up to 
expectations, and many of the members of the Church 
were financially involved. The authorities of the Church, 
with others of the leading brethren who had subscribed 
for stock in the Kirtland Safety Society, pledged them- 
selves to be responsible for the redemption of all the notes 
of the institution, in proportion to the amount of stock 
subscribed. Since they had no charter, other banking in- 
stitutions refused their notes. The cashier of this society, 
at one time the Prophet's clerk and a faithful elder in the 
Church, was found guilty of immoral conduct. He was 
forgiven on a show of repentance and confession, and re- 
tained his standing in the Church ; but he never regained 
the spirit and shortly after became disaffected. He mis- 
appropriated the funds of the society to the extent of 
over twenty-five thousand dollars, which placed the insti- 
tution in a precarious condition. Seeing how matters were 
being conducted, the Prophet gave a warning which was 
not heeded; therefore, early in the summer of 1837, he 
withdrew from the concern, resigned his office and dis- 
posed of all his interests therein, stating that he was 
satisfied after five months' experience, "that no in- 
stitution of the kind, established upon just and righteous 
principles for a blessing not only to the Church, but to 
the whole nation, would be suffered to continue its opera- 
tions in such an age of darkness, speculation and wicked- 
ness." 

The Financial Panic of 1837. —At this time the panic 
of 1837, swept over the United States. During the months 



198 ESSENTIALS' IN CHURCH HISTORY 

of March and April, the failures in the City of New York 
amounted to over $100,000,000 and hundreds of institu- 
tions were driven to the wall. It was only natural thai: 
the Kirtland Safety Society, so improperly managed, 
should share in the general condition of failure. 

Other Causes of Embarrassment. — Other causes for 
the financial stress among the Saints, which also weighed 
heavily upon the heads of the Church, were the afflictions 
undergone at the hands of enemies, and the expenses at- 
tached to the erection of the Kirtland Temple. Moreover, 
the poor, destitute and needy, who had received the Gospel 
came to Kirtland seeking assistance and necessary homes. 
Large contracts for land were entered into for the benefit 
of these poor, that they might obtain homes to call their 
own; but those concerned were not always prompt in the 
payment of their clues — a common failure of mankind. 

Apostasy and Sorrow. — As the fruit of this condition, 
an apostasy followed rapidly, and it seemed, said the Proph- 
et, "as though all the powers of earth and hell were com- 
bining their influence in an especial manner to overthrow 
the Church at once, and make a final end." Enemies abroad, 
aided by apostates within, united in various schemes to 
overthrow the Prophet as if he had been the sole cause of 
all the evils, not only in the communities of the Church, but 
throughout the entire land. Most of this evil which befell 
the Church might have been avoided if the Prophet's coun- 
sel had been accepted by the Saints. Apostasy developed 
within all the councils of the Church, and many of the lead- 
ing brethren, who previously had been true and faithful, 
were involved. 

The Pure in Heart Able to Withstand. — It is strange 
to think of this dire condition, when just one brief year 
before, the glorious manifestations in the temple had been 
given to many of these men, who now possessed such bitter- 
ness of spirit. They seemed to have forgotten their many 
blessings, and the wonderful visions, and the great prom- 
ises made them by the Lord, if they would be true and 



CLAY COUNTY REJECTS THE SAINTS 199 

faithful in their ministry. The spirit of speculation and 
desire for wealth, during the brief spell of peace and har- 
mony, had beclouded the minds of many, and their souls 
were filled with deadly hatred against their former breth- 
ren. Joseph Smith was called a fallen prophet by those 
whom he had cherished and loved, and whose love for him 
had been pronounced. Some, in their bitterness and dark- 
ness of mind, sought his life. Those who sought his wel- 
fare and spoke in his defense, were ridiculed and treated 
with great contempt. It was a time when the souls of men 
were tested, and only those who kept themselves pure and 
unspotted from the sins of the world, were able to with- 
stand the trial. Every influence was brought to bear upon 
the members of the Church to get them to renounce the 
Prophet. Many good men were dragged into the net ; oth- 
ers barely escaped, and only through their deep humility 
and great repentance, were they spared the awful fate which 
carried so many to destruction. It was during this time 
of disaffection that Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, 
Wilford Woodruff, and others, including John Taylor and 
Willard Richards, who had but recently joined the Church. 
stood nobly in defense of the Prophet Joseph, in the face 
of a murderous spirit of opposition. 

The Prophet's Visit to Missouri. — In September, 
1837, Presidents Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon went to 
Missouri to assist the Saints in that land in establishing 
places of gathering. Other brethren from Kirtland ac- 
companied them. They arrived about the first of Novem- 
ber in Caldwell County and immediately went into council 
with the elders there, regarding locations for the Saints. 
Those who met in council were Joseph Smith, Sidney Rig- 
don, Hyrum Smith, Thomas B. Marsh, William E. McLel- 
lin, Lyman E. Johnson and William Smith from Ohio, and 
the high council of the Church in Far West, with William 
W. Phelps at their head. It was decided that there was 
room in that land to make it desirable to invite the Saints 
from other parts to locate there. The city Far West, which 



200 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

had been laid out and incorporated, was chosen as a cen- 
tral gathering place. It was decided to postpone the build- 
ing of the Lord's house in Far West, which had been de- 
cided on, until the Lord should reveal his will to have it 
commenced. 

Death of Jerusha Smith. — A sad event occurred while 
Hyrum Smith was engaged in Far West assisting the Saints 
to locate, in the death of his wife Jerusha Barden Smith, 
October 3, 1837. "Tell your father when he comes that 
the Lord has taken your mother home and left you for him 
to take care of," was her dying statement to her five little 
children. 

Attempt to Depose the Prophet. — Presidents Smith 
and Rigdon returned to Kirtland from Missouri, on the 
10th of December. They discovered that during their ab- 
sence, Warren Parrish, John F. Boynton, Luke S. Johnson, 
Joseph Coe, Sylvester Smith, and other of the leading coun- 
cils had united to overthrow the Church. Some of these 
men had earlier in the year shown a spirit of opposition, but 
on a show of repentance had been reinstated ; but the evils 
were not fully eradicated from their minds. Warren Par- 
rish was a seventy, who a few short months before shared 
the Prophet's fullest confidence, as one of his closest and 
dearest friends. Now, through transgression, he became one 
of the Prophet's bitterest enemies and the leader of a move- 
ment to depose him and install David Whitmer in his stead. 
Meetings had been held by this clique in the temple, which 
they claimed as their own, and they resorted to violence 
to maintain their contention. In this manner the Kirtland 
Temple, so recently accepted by the Lord, was desecrated 
and defiled so that it ceased to be a sacred edifice to his 
holy name. 

The British Mission. — During these sad days of trial 
and tribulation, the word of the Lord came to Joseph Smith 
stating that something must be done for the salvation of 
the Church. The solution was the carrying of the Gospel 
to Great Britain. On Sunday, the 4th day of June, the 



CLAY COUNTY REJECTS THE SAINTS 201 

Prophet approached Elder Heber C. Kimball in the Kirt- 
land Temple and whispered to him, saying : "Brother Heber, 
the Spirit of the Lord has whispered to me: 'Let my ser- 
vant Heber go to England and proclaim my Gospel, and 
open the door of salvation to that nation.' " Brother Kim- 
ball, feeling his weakness, asked if Elder Brigham Young 
could not go with him. The Prophet answered that the 
Lord had something else for Brigham Young to do. Fol- 
lowing this conversation Elder Kimball was set apart for 
this great work in the British Isles, which was to be the 
first foreign mission of the Church. While the First Presi- 
dency were setting Elder Kimball apart, Orson Hyde, of the 
council of the twelve came in, and listening to the blessing 
being given to his fellow laborer asked that he also might 
have the privilege of assisting in that work. Elder Hyde 
had been among those disturbed because of speculation. 
His heart melted within him and he now acknowledged his 
faults, and sought a blessing. His offering was accepted 
and he was set apart for the British labor. 

The Work in Canada. — The movement to send elders 
to Great Britain was the outgrowth of the work in Canada. 
Several of the elders had taken trips to Canada and had 
preached the Gospel there. Elder Orson Pratt was the first 
to carry the message into Canada in the year 1833. In the 
fall of that same year the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon went 
on a brief mission to Upper Canada and made a number of 
converts. In 1836, Elder Parley P. Pratt went to the City 
of Toronto and surrounding country and preached with 
wonderful success. It was here at this time that Elder John 
Taylor, afterwards of the council of the twelve and later 
President of the Church, received the Gospel. It was also 
here, and due to the preaching of Elder Pratt, that Joseph 
Fielding and his two sisters, Mary — who a few months 
later became the wife of Hyrum Smith — and Mercy R., were 
baptized. Others who received the Gospel in Canada were 
John Goodson, John Snyder and Isaac Russell. All of 
these people were in correspondence with relatives and 



202 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

friends in Great Britain whom they informed of the rise 
and progress of the Church, thus preparing them for events 
to come. 

Departure for Great Britain. — Elder Willard Richards, 
having requested the privilege of going to Great Britain, 
was set apart by Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith, on the 
12th of June, 1837. The following day Elders Heber C. 
Kimball, Orson Hyde, Willard Richards, and Joseph Field- 
ing, a priest, who came from Honeydon, England, left Kirt- 
land on their mission to the British Isles. They were ac- 
companied on their journey as far as Fairport by Elder 
Brigham Young and others. This little band of mission- 
aries was later augmented by the addition of Isaac Russell, 
John Goodson and John Snyder, and on the 23rd of June, 
1837, they engaged passage on the merchant ship "Garrick," 
for Liverpool. On the morning of the 20th of July, the 
"Garrick" anchored in the River Mersey. As soon as these 
brethren landed they went to Preston, about thirty miles 
from Liverpool. It was election day for members of Parlia- 
ment, and Queen Victoria, who had recently come to the 
throne, was about to organize her cabinet. As the mission- 
aries alighted from their coach, they saw in letters of gold 
on a banner above their heads an inscription, "Truth will 
prevail," which they accepted as a favorable omen. 

Elder Joseph Fielding had a brother Rev. James Field- 
ing, who resided in Preston, and the brethren went to hear 
him preach on Sunday, July 23, 1837. At the service Rev. 
Fielding unexpectedly announced that there were present 
some ministers from America and they would occupy his 
pulpit in the afternoon. The invitation was joyfully ac- 
cepted and President Kimball gave a brief address followed 
by Elder Hyde. That evening Mr. Fielding again offered 
his pulpit to the brethren and Elder Goodson and Brother 
Fielding preached. This was the opening of the door for 
the Gospel in England. 



c The inspiration of the Prophet Joseph to send elders to Great 
Britain for the salvation of the Church, was fully attested, for 



CLAY COUNTY REJECTS THE SAINTS 203 




VAUXHALL CHAPEL, REV. JAMES FIELDING'S CHURCH, 
PRESTON, ENGLAND - 

The following Wednesday (July 26, 1837) another 
meeting was held in Rev. James Fielding's chapel. Elders 
Hyde and Richards preached and much interest was mani- 
fested by the congregation, many were convinced and 
sought baptism. Fearing that he would loose his entire 
flock the Rev. Fielding closed the doors of his chapel against 
the elders and from that time opposed the work with all 
his power. However, the work was started, a foothold had 
been gained, and the brethren received many invitations to 
preach in private homes. The work spread rapidly through- 
out the nation, many branches were organized and many 
souls sought salvation through the remission of their sins. 

Revelation to the Twelve. — The same day that the 
Gospel was first preached in England (July 23, 1837) the 

members were baptized by the thousands in the course of a few 
months following. Many of them emigrated and became stalwarts 
in the Church, and branches of great magnitude were raised up 
in various parts of England. 



204 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Lord gave a revelation through Joseph Smith to Thomas 
B. Marsh and the twelve. They were commanded to gird 
up their loins, take up their cross and follow the Savior and 
feed his sheep. "Exalt not yourselves," said the Lord, "re- 
bel not against my servant Joseph Smith, for verily I say 
unto you, I am with him, and my hand shall be over him; 
and the keys which I have given unto him, and also to you- 
ward, shall not be taken from him till I come." 

This was a timely warning, for even then some of the 
members of that council were in secret collusion with en- 
emies of the Church. Their actions later developed, and 
before the close of the year they were in open rebellion as 
previously indicated. 

Frederick G. Williams Removed. — A conference of the 
elders held in Far West, November 7, 1837, refused to sus- 
tain Frederick G. Williams as a counselor to President Jo- 
seph Smith, and Hyrum Smith was appointed in his place. 
President Williams, Lyman E. Johnson, Parley P. Pratt 
and Warren Parrish had previously been cited to appear 
before a council of the Church, charges having been pre- 
ferred against them, but the council being improperly or- 
ganized, no action was taken at that time. President Wil- 
liams became disaffected with many others, due to specula- 
tions and financial troubles in the fore part of the year 1837, 
and permitted himself to become estranged from the work. 

Flight of Brigham Young. — The feeling of opposition 
against the Prophet became so intense near the close of the 
year 1837, that it was with danger that anyone in Kirtland 
could speak in his defense. On the morning of December 
22, 1837, Elder Brigham Young left Kirtland because of 
the fury of the enemies of the Church. Apostates had 
threatened to destroy him because he continued to proclaim 
publicly that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Most High 
and had not transgressed and fallen, as the apostates de- 
clared. 

This was the condition of affairs in Kirtland at the close 
of the year 1837. 



CHAPTER 23 

THE PRESIDENCY MOVE TO MISSOURI— EX- 
COMMUNICATION OF OLIVER COWDERY 
AND OTHERS 

1838 

Lowering Clouds. — Threatening and sinister were 
the clouds which hung over the Church at the beginning of 
the year 1838. Apostasy had broken into the ranks, and 
many of the former faithful defenders of the truth had fallen 
by the wayside. Satan rejoiced, and the enemies of the 
Saints gained great power, which was later to be made mani- 
fest with extreme bitterness. 

Flight of Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. — So bit- 
ter became the spirit of opposition in Kirtland that Joseph 
Smith and Sidney Rigdon were forced to seek safety in 
flight. They departed from that place January 12, 1838, 
on horseback, and journeyed towards Far West. Unjust 
and vexatious law suits had been planted against them by 
their enemies. Several times Joseph had been cited to ap- 
pear before the courts on trivial charges, from which he 
was cleared, which action did not tend to lessen the ugly feel- 
ings of his enemies. Some sixty miles west of Kirtland 
they tarried at Norton, where they were joined by their 
families. On the 16th, the journey was resumed, Elder 
Brigham Young accompanying them. At Dublin, in In- 
diana, the Prophet sought employment, cutting and saw- 
ing wood, to relieve his necessities. Here, through the aid 
of Elder Young, a Brother Tomlinson sold some property, 
and gave the Prophet three hundred dollars to help him on 
his way. 

The weather was extremely cold and the fleeing breth- 
ren were forced because of enemies, to secrete themselves 
in their wagons without sufficient means to keep warm. 
Their adversaries followed them for more than two hun- 
dred miles from Kirtland, with guns and knives, seeking 
their lives. "They," wrote the Prophet, "frequently crossed 



206 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTOR Y 

out track; twice they were in the houses where we stopped, 
and once we tarried al night in the same house with them, 
with only a partition between us and them; and we heard 
their oaths and imprecations, and threats concerning us, if 
they could catch us ; and late in the evening they came into 
our room and examined us, but decided we were not the 
men. At other times we passed them in the streets, and 
gazed on them, and they on us, but they knew us not." 
About two hundred and twenty miles from Far West a 
number of brethren met the Prophet, and assisted him with 
teams to that place, where he arrived, March 14, 1838. He 
was welcomed by the Saints with open arms. President Rig- 
don did not arrive in Far West until the 4th of April, hav- 
ing been detained by sickness in his family. 

Rejection of the Missouri Presidency. — The spirit oi 
darkness spread from Kirtland to Missouri, and some of 
the leading brethren became affected. Martin Harris was 
dropped from the high council in Kirtland, with three oth- 
ers, September 3, 1837, and Oliver Cowdery, who had been 
in transgression, was retained in his calling on condition 
that he would repent; and should he fail to repent, the 
Prophet said, "the Church will soon be under the necessily 
of raising their hands against him ; therefore pray for him." 
These men, and others in Kirtland, influenced some of the 
brethren in Missouri, and the spirit of disaffection in Cald- 
well County commenced to grow. A general assembly of 
the Saints was held in Far West, February 4, 1838, and the 
members withdrew the hand of fellowship from their pre- 
siding officers, David Whitmer, William W. Phelps and 
John Whitmer. Similar action was taken on the succeed- 
ing days in Carter's settlement, Durphy's home, and Harm's 
Mill. 

The charges against two of them, William W. Phelps and 
John Whitmer, were that they had sold their possessions 
in Jackson County, contrary to the revelations of the Lord, 
which was paramount to a denial of the faith ; and for the 
misappropriation of funds borrowed for the use of the 



THE PRESIDENCY MOVE TO MISSOURI 207 

i 

Church. The Lord, in a revelation, had rebuked these men 
for their transgression and warned them, but they did not 
heed the warning. David Whitmer was likewise charged 
with improper conduct and neglect of duty, and with the 
violation of the word of wisdom, in the persistent use of tea, 
coffee and tobacco, and the Church had gone on record by 
vote that they would not sustain any officer who indulged 
in such things. Thomas B. Marsh and David W. Patten were 
sustained as presiding officers in Missouri, until the com- 
ing of Presidents Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. The 
three accused men persisted in showing contempt for the 
decision of these conferences of the Church, in which action 
they were joined by Oliver and Marcellus F. Cowdery; 
therefore they were cited to appear before the high coun- 
cil, March 10, 1838, and William W. Phelps and John 
Whitmer were excommunicated. Marcellus F. Cowdery was 
disfellowshiped and the case of David Whitmer and Oliver 
Cowdery was held over for future investigation. 

Political Motto of the Church. — Shortly after the ar- 
rival of Presidents Smith and Rigdon in Far West the fol- 
lowing political motto was adopted : 

"The Constitution of our country formed by the fath- 
ers of liberty. Peace and good order in society. Love to God, 
and good will to man. All good and wholesome laws, virtue 
and truth above all things, and aristarchy, live forever ! But 
woe to tyrants, mobs, aristocracy, anarchy, and toryism, and 
all those who invent or seek out unrighteous and vexatious 
law suits, under the pretext and color of law, or office, either 
religious or political. Exalt the standard of democracy; 
down with that of priestcraft, and let all the people say, 
Amen! that the blood of our fathers may not cry from the 
ground against us. Sacred is the memory of the blood 
which bought for us our liberty." 

First General Conference at Far West. — April 6, 1838, 
the first general conference of the Church in Missouri was 
held at Far West. John Corrill and Elias Higbee were chosen 
historians and George W. Robinson general church re- 
corder and clerk of the First Presidency. Thomas B. Marsh, 



208 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

David W. Patten and Brigham Young were sustained as 
the presidency of the Church in Zion. The following day, 
David W. Patten, in reporting the labors of the council of 
the twelve, said he could not recommend William E. Mc- 
Lellin, Luke S. Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson, John F. Boyn- 
ton, and was doubtful of William Smith. The other brethren 
were faithfully discharging their duties. 

John Whitmer Withholds the Church Record.— A de- 
mand by letter was made, by sanction of the conference, of 
John Whitmer, the former historian, calling for the record 
of the Church in his keeping. This he refused to deliver 
and retained it until the day of his death. A copy of it is 
now in the archives of the Church. 

Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Others Excom- 
municated. — Wednesday, April 11, 1838, Seymour Brun- 
son preferred nine charges against Oliver Cowdery who 
was cited to appear for trial the following day. Oliver re- 
fused to appear, but sent a letter, written in a very bitter 
spirit, and defiant attitude, in which he boasted of his "per- 
sonal liberty," and with injured demeanor denied the right 
of any church tribunal to control him in his temporal in- 
terests, which was contrary to his constitutional privileges. 
Therefore he would voluntarily "withdraw from a society 
assuming they have such right." Two of the charges when 
presented to the council were rejected and one was with- 
drawn, the other six were sustained. There was no other 
course for the council to take than to excommunicate the re- 
bellious Assistant President of the Church, who had turned 
so bitter in his feelings against his former associates. 

On the 9th, five charges were also preferred against Da- 
vid Whitmer, who was cited to appear for trial on the 13th. 
David also replied by letter, in which he refused to recog- 
nize the authority of the general assemblies of the Church 
and the action taken against him ; nor would he recognize 
die authority of the present council which had been called 
to try his case. And, since the council would pursue its 
"unlawful course at all hazards," he preferred to withdraw 



THE PRESIDENCY MOVE TO MISSOURI 209 

from their "fellowship and communion — choosing to seek 
a place among the meek and humble, where the revelations 
of heaven will be observed, and the rights of men regarded. " 
Action was therefore taken against David Whitmer and 
thus another of the special witnesses, was cut off from the 
Church. a 

Lyman E. Johnson and William E. McLellin. — The 
same day charges were preferred ag'ainst Lyman E. John- 
son; these were sustained, and he was cut off from the 
Church. One month later, May 11, 1838, Wiliam E. Mc- 
Lellin was handled for his fellowship, and he also lost his 
standing in the Church. About this time Jacob Whitmer and 
Hiram Page also left the Church having partaken of the 
spirit of apostasy. 

A Day of Sadness.— This was a day of sadness for 
Joseph Smith. To see the witnesses who were associated 
with him in the incipiency of the Church fall by the way- 
side, touched his heart. Yet right must prevail, and right- 
eousness triumph, even though it should cause wounds 
which could not be healed. To their credit, be it said, that 
none of the witnesses who had beheld angels and the plates 
from which the Book of Mormon was translated, ever denied 
their testimony concerning these things, notwithstanding the 
extreme bitterness of heart they manifested against Joseph 
Smith the Prophet. h 

Return of Elders Kimball and Hyde.— April 1, 1838, 
a conference of the Church was held in Preston, England, in 
Temperance Hall (the "Cock Pit"), for the purpose of set- 
tlor full account of these trials see Documentary History of 
the Church, Vol. 3:16-20. 

^During these days of darkness all three of the special wit- 
nesses of the Book of Mormon left the Church. So also did three 
of the eight witnesses, viz. Jacob Whitmer, John Whitmer and 
Hiram Page. Christian Whitmer died in full fellowship and 
with a strong conviction of the truth, in Missouri, Nov. 27, 
1835, and his brother Peter Whitmer Jr., died September 22, 1836, 
also firm in the faith and fellowship of the Saints. Later Oliver 
Cowdery and Martin Harris returned to the Church and died in 
full fellowship, also Luke S. Johnson and many others who be- 
came disaffected during these days of tribulation. 
15 



210 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

ting in order the branches in that mission. Joseph Fielding 
was sustained as President of the British Mission, to suc- 
ceed Heber C. Kimball, and Willard Richards and William 
Clayton, an English convert, were chosen as his counselors. 
These men were ordained high priests. On the 20th of 
April, 1838, Elders Kimball and Hyde sailed from Liver- 
pool for the United States, in the same ship which had car- 
ried them to England, the "Garrick." They arrived in Kirt- 
land, Mlay 21, 1838, and immediately notified the Prophet, 
at Far West, of their good feeling and firmness in the faith. 
Far West — The House of the Lord. — In a revelation 
given April 26, 1838, the Lord accepted Far West as a cen- 
tral gathering place for the Saints in Missouri, and a place 
of refuge, which should be holy and consecrated to him. 
There a house was to be built to his name, and the begin- 
ning should be made on the 4th of July following, then the 
Saints were to continue their labors diligently until the 
house was finished. However, the presidency, Joseph Smith, 
Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith, the latter having taken 
the place of Frederick G. Williams, were not to get into 
debt. Other settlements in the region round about besides 
Far West, were to be selected as gathering places for the 
Saints, and stakes of Zion were to be established. 

Stakes of Zion. — In accordance with the revelation, 
about the middle of May, 1838, Presidents Joseph Smith 
and Sidney Rigdon with a number of other elders, includ- 
ing David W. Patten and Bishop Edward Partridge, took 
a trip in the wilderness north of Far West for the purpose 
of locating sites for settlements and the laying off of stakes 
of Zion. They pursued their course up Grand River, some 
twenty-five miles to a place they called Tower Hill, because 
they found ruins of an old Nephite tower there. 
Here Elder Lyman Wight had his home, and here they 
camped May 20, which was the Sabbath day. In the after- 
noon Presidents Smith and Rigdon, with their clerk, George 
W. Robinson, went up the river about one half mile, to 
Wight's ferry, for the purpose of selecting and laying claim 



THE PRESIDENCY MOVE TO MISSOURI 211 

to a city plat. This was in Daviess County, township 60, 
ranges 27 and 28, which the brethren called "Spring Hill," 
but by the mouth of the Lord, the record states, "it was 
named Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place 
where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient 
of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the Prophet." c We 
are also informed that this is the place where Adam as- 
sembled his posterity three years before his death, and there 
bestowed upon them his blessing. On that occasion the 




LYMAN WIGHT'S HOUSE, NEAR ADAM-ONDI-AHMAN 



Lord appeared to them, and the posterity of Adam rose 
up and blessed him, and called him Michael, the Prince, 
the Arch-angel; and the Lord administered comfort to 
Adam, and said unto him : "I have set thee to be at the 
head — a multitude of nations shall come of thee, and thou 
art a prince over them forever. " d The name of this place 
was first revealed as early as March, 1832, but it is evi- 
dent that the Saints did not know where Adam-ondi-Ahman 
was until this visit of these brethren. Adam-ondi-Ahman is 
located on the north side of Grand River, in Daviess County, 



c Doc. and Cov. Sec. 116. Daniel 7th Chapter. 
rfDoc. and Cov. Sec. 107 -53-55 



212 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Missouri, about twenty-five miles north of Far West. It is 
situated on an elevation, which, said the Prophet, "renders 
the place as healthful as any part of the United States." It 
overlooks the river in a wonderfully beautiful location. 

Other Sites Chosen. — Other territory, which was un- 
occupied, was also selected for the gathering of the Saints, 
as the 1 Lord had commanded by revelation. The history gives 
the following account of the selection of these lands: 

"Monday 21. — This morning, after making some loca- 
tions in this place, which is in township 61, ranges 27 and 
28, we returned to Robinson's Grove, about two miles, to 
secure some land near Grand River, which we passed the 
day previous; and finding a mistake in the former survey, 
I sent the surveyor south five or six miles to obtain a cor- 
rect line, while some of us tarried to obtain water for the 
catnip. In the evening I called a council of the brethren to 
know whether it was wisdom to go immediately into the 
north country, or tarry here and hereabouts, to secure land 
on Grand River. The brethren spoke their minds freely on 
the subject, when I stated to the council that I felt impressed 
to tarry and secure all the land near by, that is not secured 
between this and Far West, especially on Grand River. 
President Rigdon concurred, and the council voted unani- 
mously to secure the land on Grand River, and between this 
and Far West." 

For many days following, the brethren spent their time 
surveying, selecting sites for settlements, building houses 
and preparing for the gathering of the Saints who were 
rapidly coming to these parts. In their travels they, at 
times, came across antiquities in the form of mounds, which 
were erected by the ancestors of the Indians. 

Independence Day at Far West. — July 4, 1838, was 
spent by the Saints in celebrating Independence Day. A 
declaration of independence from all mobs and persecutors 
was declared, and after a parade the people assembled at 
the excavation made for the building of the Lord's house, 
and the corner stones of the proposed temple were laid, 



THE PRESIDENCY MOVE TO MISSOURI 213 

agreeable with the commandment of April 26, 1838/ The 
southeast corner stone was laid by Bishop Edward Partridge, 
assisted by twelve men ; and the northeast corner stone 
was laid by the teachers, assisted by twelve men. The build- 
ing was to be one hundred and ten feet long and eighty feet 
wide. 

Sidney Rigdon was the orator of the day, and at the 
close of these services, the assembly shouted hosanna, and 
after singing they adjourned. 

The Law of Tithing. — The law of tithing, which was 
given as a substitute law for consecration, and to act as a 
"school-master" to train the Saints, was given July 8, 1838, 
at Far West, by revelation. Earlier, as we have discov- 
ered, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery made a covenant 
that they would give one tenth of all they received, for the 
support of the poor. Now the Prophet inquired of the Lord 
to know what course should be taken by the Saints, and re- 
ceived the following revelation : 

"Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus 
property to be put into the hands of the Bishop of my Church 
of Zion, for the building of mine house, and for the laying 
of the foundation of Zion and for the Priesthood, and for 
the debts of the Presidency of my Church. And this shall 
be the beginning of the tithing of my people ; and after that, 
those who have thus been tithed, shall pay one-tenth of all 
their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law un- 
to them forever, for my holy Priesthood, saith the Lord. 

"Verily, I say unto you, it shall come to pass, that all 
those who gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of 
their surplus properties and shall observe this law, or they 
shall not be found worthy to abide among you. 

'And I say unto you, if my people observe not this 
law, to keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the land of 
Zion unto me, that my statutes and my judgments may be 
kept thereon, that it may be most holy, behold, verily I say 
unto you, it shall not be a land of Zion unto you ; and this 
shall be an ensample unto all the stakes of Zion; even so, 
Amen." 



«Doc. and Cov. Sec. 115. 



214 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

It was also made known that the tithing should be dis- 
posed of by a council composed of the First Presidency, 
Twelve Apostles and Presiding Bishopric/ 

The Mission of the Twelve. — On the same day the 
revelation on tithing was received the Lord also gave a rev- 
elation to the council of the apostles, calling them to the 
foreign field in Europe. They were to take their departure 
from the Saints in Far West on the 26th day of April, 1839, 
from the building spot of the Lord's house. How this rev- 
elation was fulfilled at that date, in the midst of murderous 
opposition will later be shown. John Taylor, John E. Page, 
Wilford Woodruff and Willard Richards, the latter at the 
time acting as one of the presidency of the British Mission, 
were called to the apostleship, to take the places of William 
E. McLellin, Luke S. Johnson, John F. Boynton and Lyman 
E. Johnson, who had fallen. 

Elders Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde, who had 
recently returned from England, spoke at the meeting in Far 
West, Sunday, July 29, 1838, relating their remarkable 
experiences in that foreign field. On the 5th of August, at 
the meeting, Frederick G. Williams was re-confirmed a 
member of the Church, he having been recently re-baptized. 
He had partaken of the spirit of bitterness and opposition 
in Kirtland and through it lost his place as one of the First 
Presidency, but had come to Far West seeking fellowship in 
the Church. 

The Kirtland Camp. — A meeting of all the seventies 
in Kirtland was held in the temple, March 6, 1838, to con- 
sider the removal of the Saints to Missouri. The matter 
was left in the hands of the presidents and a meeting called 
for the 10th instant. At this meeting the presidents re- 
ported; they stated that it was doubtful that the journey 
could be taken in a body because of the extreme poverty of 
the people. The effort of the high council and high priests 
to get means and remove the Saints had failed, and they, 
the seventies, felt that perhaps it would be better for the 



/See Doc. and Cov, Sec. 119 and 120, 



THE PRESIDENCY MOVE TO MISSOURI 215 

journey to be taken as individuals. However, while they 
were in this meeting the Spirit of the Lord rested upon 
them, and it was made known that they should journey as 
a body to Zion, according to the commandments and rev- 
elations, pitching their tents by the way, and by doing this 
they should not want for any necessity while on their travels. 
This action having been decided, a constitution for their 
government on the journey was drawn up under the super- 
vision of President Hyrum Smith, and adopted. They were 
to travel under the direction of the seven presidents, but 
organized in companies and divisions, for their guidance 
and convenience. On the 6th day of July, 1838, the journey 
was commenced. There were in the camp 529 souls, 256 
males, and 273 females, consisting of 105 families. A few 
others joined them on the way. In this manner one of the 
most remarkable migrations covering a distance of approxi- 
mately nine hundred miles was undertaken by these afflicted 
Saints. The Lord blessed them abundantly on their way. 
Their provisions, like the widow's meal and cruise of oil, 
were not diminished, and they were fed miraculously during 
their journey. As might be expected, there were among 
them some who complained, and a few were expelled from 
the camp to travel alone because of the infraction of the 
rules ; but the great majority traveled in humility and obe- 
dience. A few died, which brought sorrow to the camp ; 
some obtained employment among the people of the various 
settlements through which they passed, and in this Way 
means were obtained to help them on the way. After en- 
during various trials and afflictions, incident to a journey 
of this proportion, they arrived at their destination, Far 
West, October 2, 1838. There they received a joyful salu- 
tation from their brethren. On the 3rd, they continued 
their march to Ambrosial Creek and on the 4th near sunset 
pitched their tents at the public square of Adam-ondi-Ahman 
Thus the Saints from Kirtland and those scattered abroad 
began to gather to the settlements in Missouri ; but their 
peace and happiness were not to remain undisturbed, for the 
threatening clouds of mobocracy were already gathering. 



CHAPTER 24 

DIFFICULTIES IN MISSOURI— GOVERNOR 

BOGGS' ORDER OF EXTERMINATION 

1838 

Election Day at Gallatin.— At the election held at 
Gallatin, Daviess County, Missouri, August 6, 1838, hos- 
tilities between the Missourians and the "Mormons" broke 
out. This was the kindling of the flame which was to result 
in the expulsion of the Latter-day Saints from that state. 
The Saints had been warned two weeks before by Judge 
Morin, candidate for the state senate, that an attempt would 
be made to prevent them from voting; however, they paid 
little attention to the warning, hoping for better things. On 
that day, as a number of the brethren approached the polls, 
Col. William P. Peniston, who had led a mob against the 
Saints in Clay County, mounted a barrel and harangued the 
crowd, which he had gathered for the purpose, against the 
"Mormons." He accused their leaders of various vicious 
crimes and called the members "dupes, and not too good 
to take a false, oath * ; * * they would steal, and he did 
not consider property safe where they were ; that he opposed 
their settling in Daviess County, and if they suffered the 
"Mormons" to vote, the people would soon lose their suf- 
frage." Peniston was a candidate for the legislature, and 
knowing the brethren would not vote for him, he was de- 
termined to prevent them forcibly from casting their ballots. 

The result was that a premeditated attack was made upon 
the little band of voters. These "Mormons," about twelve 
in number, held their ground against a force of over one 
hundred. Many heads were broken in the conflict. Elder 
John L. Butler, filled with righteous rage, seized a club and 
knocked men down right and left. The mobbers disbursed 
swearing vengeance and threatening to get fire arms and re- 
turn. The brethren were persuaded by the election officials 
to depart to save further conflict, since this was a prear- 



DIFFICULTIES IN MISSOURI 217 

ranged attack, and their enemies came fully intending to 
create trouble. The brethren returned to their homes, col- 
lected their families and concealed them in the thickets, 
while they stood guard over their homes during the night. 

The Prophet's Investigation. — The next day the re- 
port having reached Far West that two or three of the breth- 
ren had been killed and the Missourians would not permit 
their bodies to be removed, or interred, Joseph Smith and 
about fifteen others armed themselves and started for Gal- 
latin. At Colonel Lyman Wight's home they learned the 
correct status of the affair. On the 8th, some of the breth- 
ren called at the home of Adam Black, justice of the peace 
and judge elect for Daviess County, and had some con- 
versation with him in which they asked him if he was their 
friend or enemy. While he said some very bitter things 
against the "Mormons," he assured them that he was not 
in sympathy with the mob, and would not aid them. He 
was asked if he would make such a statement in writing, 
and willingly did so in the following unique document : 

"I, Adam Black, a justice of the Peace of Daviess 
County do hereby Sertify to the people coled Mormin, that 
he is bound to support the Constitution of this State and 
of the United States and he is not attached to any mob, or 
will he attach himself to any such people, and so long as they 
will not molest me, I will not molest them. This the 8th day 
of August, 1838. 

"Adam Black." 

Peniston's Affidavit. — Two days after the interview 
with Adam Black, William P. Peniston, William Bowman 
and others, made affidavit before Judge Austin A. King, 
stating that the "Mormons," to the number of about five 
hundred men, were armed and collected in L)aviess County, 
for the purpose, they verily believed, of committing great- 
violence to the citizens, and to take vengeance for some 
injuries, or imaginary injuries, done to some of their friends, 
and to intimidate and drive from the country all the old 
citizens, and possess themselves of their lands, or to force 



218 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

such as do not leave, to come into their measures and submit 
to their dictation. They also stated that about one hundred 
and twenty men did commit violence on Adam Black, "by 
surrounding his house and taking him in a violent manner, 
and subjecting him to great indignities, by forcing him, un- 
der threats of immediate death, to sign a paper writing of a 
very disgraceful character." 

Adam Black made affidavit of similar nature on August 
28, 1838,° in this manner maliciously falsifying and break- 
ing his promise made to the brethren. 

Effect of These Falsehoods. — These emissaries of evil 
knew the effect of their falsehoods would be to stir the 
Missourians, who needed very little provocation, to acts of 
violence against the "Miormons." They also hoped, with 
apparent reason, to win the sympathy of the officers of 
the state, especially Governor Lilburn W. Boggs. In fact 
it is not so clear that the governor was not secretly aiding 
them. He had been elected to the highest office in the state 
since the disgraceful expulsion of the Saints from Jackson 
County, in which he took a very prominent part. 

Mob Gatherings. — These evil reports soon spread 
through other counties, and the people were informed by 
many rumors that the "Mormons" were preparing to com- 
mit acts of violence against the older citizens, in other 
parts of the state. Every conceivable plan was adopted to 
provoke the members of the Church to acts of violence. 
Their enemies captured prisoners and punished them; then 
circulated the report in the "Mormon" settlements that these 
prisoners had been tortured to death. Thus they hoped to 
stir the Saints up to anger, trusting they would seek re- 
venge that occasion might be found against them as the 
aggressors; but the Lord revealed the evil intent of their 
adversaries. 

Arrest of Joseph Smith and Lyman Wight. — Based on 
these falsehoods of Peniston, Black, et al., charges were 



aFor the Prophet's reply to these charges see Documentary- 
History of the Church, Vol. 3:70. 



DIFFICULTIES IN MISSOURI 219 

preferred against Joseph Smith and Lyman Wight. At first 
they objected to being tried in Daviess County, where the 
writ was issued, because of the enmity of the citizens there. 
After consulting with their attorneys, Atchison and Doni- 
phan, they volunteered to be tried in Daviess County, before 
Judge Austin A. King. When the trial was held, Adam 
Black was the only witness who appeared against them, and 
William P. Peniston was the prosecutor. Several wit- 
nesses, both non-members and members of the Church, testi- 
fied in their defense. However, the judge, who manifested a 
bitter spirit, bound them over in the sum of five hundred 
dollars. At the close of the trial he admitted to some of 
the witnesses that there was no evidence to warrant his 
action, but the people demanded it. 

Proclamation of Governor Boggs. — These rumors and 
false affidavits reached the governor, as their authors in- 
tended they should. On the pretext that the "Mormons" had 
entered into an alliance with the Indians and were in re- 
bellion, Governor Boggs issued an order, through Adjutant 
General B. M. Lisle, to General Atchison and six other 
commanders of the militia, that as a"precautionary meas- 
ure," an effective force of the militia be held in readiness to 
meet either contingency (i. e. the rising of the Indians or 
the "Mormons"). This force was to consist of four hun- 
dred men from each of seven divisions, mounted, armed, 
and equipped as infantry or riflemen, and formed into com- 
panies according to law, thus making a force of 2,800 men. 

During all this excitement armed forces of the mob 
were collecting at various points and making threats against 
the Saints. Under the direction of the civil authorities, 
some of the brethren who were members of the state militia, 
intercepted a wagon load of arms and ammunition on the 
way to a camp of mobbers. These brethren from Far West 
took the guns and supplies, arrested three men who ap- 
peared to be in charge, and carried them to Far West. Here 
the men were examined before Albert Petty, justice of the 
peace, and held in bail to appear at the next term of the 



220 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

circuit court. Judge King was informed of the action taken 
and he replied that the prisoners should be turned loose 
and treated kindly. What disposition to make of the guns 
he did not seem to know, but said they belonged to the 
militia. Because of this statement, the brethren kept the 
guns and distributed them; but later, on the order of Gen- 
eral Doniphan, they were gathered and delivered up to him. 

Austin's Mob Force at Diahman. — False accusations 
continued to spread and great excitement was manifest on 
ever>^ hand. The militia, according to the order of Gov- 
ernor Boggs, was mustered into service. In their ranks 
were many of the most bitter enemies of the Saints. Near 
Diahman a large mob force had gathered under the com- 
mand of Dr. Austin, armed and in a threatening mood. 
General Doniphan, with an equal force of militia ordered 
them to disperse. They claimed that they had gathered in 
self defense, yet they were besieging the small settlement of 
"Mormons" at Diahman. Lyman Wight, who was a colonel 
in the state militia, had gathered such force as he could to 
protect the Saints. At the request of Doniphan he showed 
a willingness to disperse, but demanded that the force un- 
der Austin do the same. This, however, the force under 
Austin refused to do. General Doniphan took up a position 
between the mob and the people at Diahman, hoping that 
in a few days they would all disband. 

Siege of De Witt. — When Austin saw that his pur- 
pose to destroy Diahman was foiled he moved his force to 
De Witt, in Carroll County, with the determination of 
expelling the "Mormons" from that place. The citizens here 
attempted to defend themselves the best they could, and Aus- 
tin thereupon laid siege to the town, firing upon the in- 
habitants from time to time, and threatening their ex- 
termination or removal from the state. In the meantime both 
Atchison and Doniphan, as well as a committee of citizens 
from Chariton County, who had come to investigate the 
situation, reported to the governor that the "Mormons" 
were very much alarmed and entirely on the defensive in 



DIFFICULTIES IN MISSOURI 221 

this unequal conflict. General Atchison writing to the gov- 
ernor said : "Things are not so bad in that county as repre- 
sented by rumor, and in fact, from affidavits I have no 
doubt your Excellency has been deceived by the exaggerated 
statements of -designing or half crazy men. I have found 
there is no cause of alarm on account of the 'Mormons;' 
they are not to be feared ; they are very much alarmed." 
When the governor received these reports he seemed very 
much elated, and replied : "The quarrel is between the 'Mor- 
mons' and the mob, and they can fight it out." Neverthe- 
less, when he discovered that the "Mormons" were deter- 
mined to fight it out and maintain their legal and constitu- 
tional rights against such overwhelming odds, he was much 
incensed, which later events will show. 

Defense of De Witt. — The forces of the Saints at De 
Witt, under Lieutenant Colonel George M. Hinkle, who 
held a commission in the state militia, prepared to defend 
themselves against their foes, who had come upon them 
without warrant or provocation. The mob forces under 
Dr. Austin first threatened De Witt, September 21, 1838, in 
defiance of all law, and ordered the inhabitants to leave 
the country by October first. If they were not gone by that 
time they were to be exterminated, "without regard to age 
or sex." The following day the citizens of the town pe- 
titioned Governor Boggs for relief against the mob. The 
governor turned a deaf ear to all appeals from the Saints, 
and seemingly failed to heed the expressions of any but 
their enemies. The siege of De Witt continued until the 
11th of October, in the presence of state troops, under Gen- 
eral Parks and Captain Bogart, a Methodist preacher, who 
looked on, but made no effort to interfere. 

The Prophet Visits De Witt.— When Joseph Smith 
learned of the distress of his brethren in De Witt, he paid 
a visit to that place. Although the town was under siege 
by the mob, he risked his life and slipped past the guards. 
He found the poor Saints in dire distress; their provisions 
were gone, and they had no prospect of obtaining more; 



222 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

their cattle had been driven off and consumed by their 
enemies. Again an appeal was made to the governor, through 
the services of a number of gentlemen, not members of the 
Church, but who understood the situation. This appeal 
was unheeded. On the 11th of October the Saints accepted 
the proposition of the mob, to vacate De Witt, with the un- 
derstanding that they were to be recompensed for the loss 
of their property. That afternoon they started for Far 
West, destitute, hungry and cold. They were emaciated 
by their long siege ; many had died from this abuse ; several 
more died on the march to Far West, a distance of fifty 
miles. That they failed to receive compensation as they were 
promised, need hardly be mentioned. 

Other Attacks by the Mob. — Very much elated over 
their success at De Witt, the mobbers sought other fields 
of conquest. The Rev. Sachiel Woods, a Presbyterian, 
called the mob together and informed them that the land 
sales were coming on, and if they could get the "Mormons" 
driven out, they could get all the lands entitled to pre- 
emptions, and to hasten to Daviess County in order to ac- 
complish their object. Moreover, that the lands purchased 
by the "Mormons" would again come into their hands, and 
they could have both the lands and the money the "Mor- 
mons" had paid for them. Cornelius Gilliam was also busy 
in Platte and Clinton Counties raising a mob to aid Woods 
in this wicked scheme. These mobbers commenced to burn 
the houses of the Saints and drive them from their doors, in 
the midst of a snow storm on the 17th and 18th of October, 
1838. Among those who were thus deprived of shelter, was 
Agnes M. Smith, wife of Don Carlos Smith who was in the 
mission field. She was forced to wade Grand River carry- 
ing two small children; in the midst of inclement winter 
weather. 

General Doniphan Orders a Defense. — General Doni- 
phan, ordered out an officer with a force to march to the 
scene of trouble at Adam-ondi-Ahman, but these troops were 
in sympathy with the mob, and so were sent back by Doni- 



DIFFICULTIES IN MISSOURI 223 

phan, who said they were "damned rotten hearted." He 
then commanded Lieutenant Colonel George M. Hinkle, to 
organize a force at Far West, and march them to Diahman, 
while he would raise a force in Clay and other counties for 
the same purpose. At the same time General Parks com- 
manded Col. Lyman Wight, who held a commission in the 
59th regiment, under Parks, to collect his force at Diahman, 
which was done. When the mobbers learned of the action 
of these troops, they broke their camp and fled. What they 
could not accomplish by force, they now hoped to gain by 
stratagem; therefore they moved the goods from several 
of their log huts at Millport and Gallatin and set them on 
fire. Then they spread the report in the country round 
about that the "Mormons" had "riz" and were burning all 
before them. & This action had the desired effect, and mob 
forces commenced to gather in various parts of upper Mis- 
souri, and prepared for war. This evil action was augmented 
by the cunning falsehoods of Samuel Bogart, Col. Wil- 
liam. P. Peniston, Dr. Samuel Venable, and many others, 
who circulated affidavits of an inflammatory nature, ac- 
cusing the "Mormons" of all the wicked deeds committed 
by the mob. Because of this the Saints in the various set- 
tlements were forced to flee to Far West, seeking protection. 
Battle of Crooked River. — Captain Bogart, although 
a member of the state militia, continued his depredations 
against the Saints. On the night of the 24th of October, 
1838, this reverend captain with his force went to the home 
of Nathan Pinkham and took him and two other brethren 
prisoners, together with some horses and arms. The word 
reached Far West, and Judge Elias Higbee, the first judge 
of the County of Caldwell, ordered Lieutenant Colonel 
Hinkle, the highest officer in the militia at Far West, to send 
out a company to disperse the mobbers and release the pris- 
oners. The trumpet sounded in the public square about 
midnight and the brethren assembled. Captain David W. 



i 



& These houses really belonged to the Latter-day Saints who 
had purchased them but had not taken possession. 



224 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTOR Y 

Patten, was given command of a company and ordered to 
go on horseback to the scene of the difficulty. The history 
of what occurred is given as follows : 

"Fifteen of the company were detached from the main 
body while sixty continued their march till they arrived near 
the ford of Crooked River, where they dismounted, tied their 
horses and leaving four or five men to guard them, proceed- 
ed towards the ford, not knowing the location of the encamp- 
ment. It was just at the dawning of light in the east, when 
they were marching quietly along the road, and near the top 
of the hill which descends to the river, that the report of a 
gun was heard, and young Patrick O'Banion reeled out of 
the ranks and fell mortally wounded. Thus the work of death 
commenced, when Captain Patten .ordered a charge and 
rushed down the hill on a fast trot, and when within about 
fifty yards of the camp formed a line. The mob formed a 
line under the bank of the river, below their tents. It was 
yet so dark that little could be seen by looking at the west, 
while the mob looking towards the dawning light, could see 
Patten and his men, when they fired a broadside, and three 
or four of the brethren fell. Captain Patten ordered the fire 
returned, which was instantly obeyed, to great disadvantage 
in the darkness which yet continued. The fire was repeated 
by the mob, and returned by Captain Patten's company, who 
gave the watchword, 'God and Liberty.' Captain Patten then 
ordered a charge, which was instantly obeyed. The parties 
immediately came in contact, with their swords, and the 
mob were soon put to flight, crossing the river at the ford, 
and such places as they could get a chance. In the pursuit, 
one of the mob fled from behind a tree, wheeled and shot 
Captain Patten who instantly fell, mortally wounded, having 
received a large ball in his bowels. 

"The ground was soon cleared, and the brethren gathered 
up a wagon or two, and making beds therein of tents, etc., 
took their wounded and retreated towards Far West. Three 
brethren were wounded in the bowels, one in the neck, one in 
the shoulder, one through the hips, one through both thighs, 
one in the arm, all by musket shot. One had his arm broken 
by a sword. Brother Gideon Carter was shot in the head, and 



DIFFICULTIES IN MISSOURI 225 

left dead on the ground so defaced that the brethren did not 
know him. Bogart reported that he had lost one man. The 
:hree prisoners were released and returned with the breth- 
ren to Far West. Captain Patten was carried some of the 
way in a litter, but it caused so much distress that he begged 
to be left by the way side. He was carried into Brother 
Winchester's, three miles from the city of Far West, where 
he died that night. Patrick O'Banion died soon after, and 
Brother Carter's body was also brought from Crooked River, 
when it was discovered who he was." c 

The result of this conflict brought sorrow to the Church 
at Far West, Joseph and Hyrum Smith and Lyman Wight 
met the brethren on their return, at Log Creek, where they 
did all that could be done for Captain Patten before his death. 
"Brother Patten," said the Prophet, "was a very worthy man, 
beloved by all good men who knew him. He was one of the 
Twelve Apostles, and died as he had lived, a man of God, and 
strong in the faith of a glorious resurrection, in a world 
where mobs will have no power or place. One of his last 
expressions to his wife was — 'what ever you do else, O do 
not deny the faith.' How different his fate to that of the 
apostate, Thomas B. Marsh, who this day vented all the ly- 
ing spleen and malice of his heart towards the work of God, 
in a letter to Brother and Sister Abbot, to which was annexed 
an addendum by Orson Hyde." The funeral of Brothers 
Patten and O'Banion was held at Far West, Saturday, Octo- 
ber 27, 1838. On that occasion the Prophet said of Elder 
Patten : "There lies a man that has done just as he said he 
would — he has laid down his life for his friends." 

Apostasy of Thomas B. Marsh. — Thomas B. Marsh, 
President of the council of the Twelve Apostles, suddenly left 
Far West in October, 1838, and went to Richmond in an ugly 
mood. He had been offended over a trivial matter and there- 
upon left the Church and made false accusations against his 
former brethren. Orson Hyde, in the same spirit, followed 
him on the 18th of October. On the 24th, Marsh went before 



c Docnmentary History of the Church, Vol. 3, pp. "170-1. 

16 



226 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Henry Jacobs, justice of the peace at Richmond, and made an 
affidavit the gist of which is as follows : 

"They have among them a company, considered true 
'Mormons,' called the Danites, who have taken an oath to 
support the heads of the Church in all things that they say 
or do, whether right or wrong. Many, however, of this band 
are much dissatisfied with this oath, as being against moral 
and religious principles. On Saturday last, I am informed by 
the 'Mbrmons,' that they had a meeting at Far West 
at which they appointed a company of twelve, by the 
name of the 'Destruction Company,' for the purpose of burn- 
ing and destroying, and that if the people of Buncombe came 
to do mischief upon the people of Caldwell, and committed 
depredations upon the 'Mormons,' they were to burn Bun- 
combe; and if the people of Clay and Ray made any move- 
ment against them, this destroying company were to burn 
Liberty and Richmond. * * * The Prophet inculcates 
the notion, and it is believed by every true 'Mormon,' that 
Smith's prophecies are superior to the laws of the land. I 
have heard the Prophet say that he would yet tread down 
his enemies, and walk over their dead bodies ; and if he was 
not let alone, he would be a second Mohammed to this gen- 
eration, and that he would make it one gore of blood from 
the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean; that like Mo- 
hammed, whose motto in treating for peace was, 'the Alcoran 
or the Sword;' so should it be eventually with us, 'J ose P n 
Smith or the Sword.' These last statements were made 
during the last summer. The number of armed men at 
Adam-ondi-Ahman was between three and four hundred. 

"Thomas B. Marsh." 

"Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day herein 
written. 

"Henry Jacobs, J. P., 

"Ray County, Missouri."' 

"Richmond, Missouri, October 24, 1838." 

"Affidavit of Orson Hyde" 
"The most of the statements in the foregoing dis- 



DIFFICULTIES IN MISSOURI 227 

closure I know to be true; the remainder I believe to be 
true. "Orson Hyde." 

"Richmond, October 24, 1838." 

"Sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day above 
written. "Henry Jacobs, J. P." c 



Orson Hyde returned to the body of the Church in June, 1839, 
at Commerce (Nauvoo) Illinois, and on the 27th of that month 
was reinstated in the council of the twelve. He was repentant, 
and in tears of humility begged forgiveness from his brethren for 
the unfortunate part he had taken in this lying report with Thomas 
B. Marsh. He had been overcome by the spirit of darkness and 
had borne false witness against his brethren while under that in- 
fluence. After his return to the Church, he faithfully performed 
his part to the end. It was Orson Hyde, who, in the life time of 
Joseph Smith, was intrusted with the important mission of dedi- 
cating the land of Palestine for the return of the Jews. The con- 
sciousness of his guilt in this unfortunate act in Missouri, preyed 
upon his mind all his life, and many were the days he shed bitter 
tears because that chapter in his history could not be blotted out. 

Thomas B. Marsh, at a later day (1857), also returned to the 
Church. On the 4th of September, 1857, he arrived in Salt Lake 
City with the immigrants of William Walker's company. He had 
crossed the plains from Harrison County, Mo. Two days after his 
arrival he addressed a congregation in the tabernacle and in his 
remarks said: "I can say, in reference to the quorum of the twelve, 
to which I belonged, that I did not consider myself a whit behind 
any of them, and I suppose that others had the same opinion; 
but let no one feel too secure ; for before you think of it, your 
steps will slide. You will not then think nor feel for a moment 
as you did before you lost the Spirit of Christ; for when men 
apostatize, they are left to grovel in the dark. * * * But let me 
tell you, my brethren and friends, if you do not want to suffer in 
body and mind, as I have done; if there are any of you that have 
the seeds of apostasy in you, do not let them make their appear- 
ance, but nip that spirit in the bud ; for it is misery and affliction 
in this world, and destruction in the world to come." (Deseret 
News, Sept. 16, 1857). He was a broken man in health and 
spirit, and showed that the hand of affliction had been over 
him. "If you want to see the fruits of apostasy," he would 
say, "look at me!" He was later ordained a high priest. 

The shadow of color for the report made by Thomas B. Marsh 
and Orson Hyde, was in the fact that a Dr. Sampson Avard, who 
had shortly before joined the Church, did organize a band which 
he called "Danites." These Danites did subscribe to some oath of 
vengeance on their enemies. However, as soon as Joseph Smith 
discovered what was going on, he put a stop to it and Avard was 
excommunicated. 



228 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

General Atchison's Report to Boggs. — After the ex- 
pulsion of the Saints from DeWitt, General Atchison re- 
ported the condition to Governor Boggs. He informed him 
that the mob was on the way to Daviess County to continue 
their ravages, "where it is thought," said the general in his 
communication, "the same lawless game is to be played over, 
and the 'Mormons' to be driven from that county, and 
probably from Caldwell County. Nothing, in my opinion, 
but the strongest measures within the power of the executive, 
will put down this spirit of mobocracy." Again, showing 
the spirit of disapproval of the course taken by the officials 
in the state, he wrote the governor and said : "I do not feel 
disposed to disgrace myself, or permit the troops under my 
command to disgrace the state and themselves by act- 
ing the part of a mob. If the 'Mormons' are to be driven 
from their homes, let it be done without any color of law, 
and in open defiance thereof; let it be done by volunteers 
acting upon their own responsibilities!" This was evi- 
dently intended as a rebuke, but it and other reports of like 
character were entirely ignored by Governor Boggs, who 
remained true to his colors as the advocate of mob rule. 

Evil Reports. — Governor Boggs preferred to believe 
— or more correctly, accepted contrary to his knowledge — 
the evil reports which flooded his office from the enemies of 
the Saints. In reporting to the governor the siege of DeWitt, 
General Samuel D. Lucas, referred to the Saints as "base and 
degraded beings," who would be exterminated if they dared 
to kill one of the mobbers besieging them; for such was 
the hatred of the people. Lucas was one of the most bitter 
of the enemies of the Church. Reverend Sashiel Woods 
and Joseph Dickson, October 24, 1838, reported to the gov- 
ernor that "Captain Bogart and all his company, amount- 
ing to between fifty and sixty men, were massacred by the 
'Mormons' at Buncombe, twelve miles north of Richmond, 
except three." This false report was made about the time of 
the battle of Crooked River; and they added that it might 
be relied on as being true that the "Mormons" expected to 



DIFFICULTIES IN MISSOURI 229 

lay Richmond in ashes that very morning. Their fiendish ap- 
peal ended with these words : "We know not the hour or min- 
ute we will be laid in ashes — our country is ruined — for 
God's sake give us assistance as quick as possible !" This was 
sent from Carrolton. Similar reports were sent by Amos 
Rees, formerly attorney for the Church in the Jackson 
trouble, and Wiley C. Williams, mobocrat, in a communi- 
cation to Judge Ryland. Judge Ryland answered and said: 

"Since Mr. Morehead left Richmond, one of the com- 
pany (Bogart's) has come in and reported that there were 
ten of his comrades killed, and the remainder were taken 
prisoners, after many of them had been severely wounded ; he 
stated further that Richmond would be sacked and burned 
by the "Mormon" banditti tonight. Nothing can exceed 
the consternation which this news gave rise to. The women 
and children are flying from Richmond in every direction. 
* * * My impression is, that you had better send one of 
your number to Howard, Cooper and Boone counties, in 
order that volunteers may be getting ready. * * * They 
must make haste and put a stop to the devastation which 
is menaced by these infuriated fanatics, and they must go 
prepared and with the full determination to exterminate or 
expel them from the state en masse. Nothing but this can 
give tranquility to the public mind, and re-establish the su- 
premacy of the laws. There must be no further delaying 
with this question anywhere. The 'Mormons* must leave 
the state, or we will, one and all, and to this complexion 
it must come at last" (Documentary History of the 
Church, Vol. 3:172). 

The Saints had no thought of making any attack on 
Richmond or any other place. This Judge Ryland must 
have known ; but he evidently had become drunken with 
the bitter spirit of the times. His very letter refutes the 
falsehoods contained therein. 

Atchison's False Report. — Even General David R. At- 
chison, who previously had shown a spirit of justice and 
fair play, was overcome by the lying spirits abroad in the 
land. He permitted himself, under date of October 28, 1838, 



230 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

after the battle of Crooked River, to join that evil genius, 
Samuel D. Lucas, in a false report to Governor Boggs, as 
follows : 

"Sir: — From late outrages committed' by the Mor- 
mons, civil war is inevitable. They have set the laws of 
the country at defiance, and are in open rebellion. We have 
about two thousand men under arms to keep them in check. 
The presence of the commander-in-chief is deemed abso- 
lutely necessary, and we most respectfully urge that your 
excellency be at the seat of war as soon as possible." 

"Your most obedient servants," 

"David R. Atchison, M. G. 3rd Div." 
"Samuel D. Lucas, M. G. 4th Div." 

The surprising thing is that General Atchison would 
permit his name to be attached to such a document as this, 
which both these officers knew perfectly well was not true. 
But good men are at times overcome. Apparently he could 
not stand the pressure of the consolidated effort against the 
Saints, who were seeking merely to defend themselves and 
their rights against the aggressions of mobocracy. Never- 
theless it appeared to be a capital offense for a weak and 
practically defenseless people to resist such invasion. For 
doing so they were guilty of causing a state of civil war ! 

General Atchison's conscience must have troubled him 
for thus yielding to the mob spirit, for, later, because he 
manifested a spirit of fairness towards the Saints, he was 
"dismounted" by the governor, and relieved of his com- 
mand. 

Boggs' Order to Clark.— October 25, 1838, the Gover- 
nor issued orders to General John B. Clark to raise suf- 
ficient troops to reinstate the inhabitants of Daviess County 
on their possessions, for, said he: "they [the "Mormons''] 
have burnt to ashes the towns of Gallatin and Millport in 
said county; the former being the county seat of said 
county, and including the clerk's office and all the public 
records of the county, and that there is not now a civil 
officer within said county." Two thousand men were to be 



DIFFICULTIES IN MISSOURI 231 

raised, in addition to those already under arms, to "restore" 
these people, who had not been molested, in these towns. 

The Order of Extermination. — This first order to Gen- 
eral Clark was followed by another the following day, the 
report of the battle of Crooked River having reached the ear 
of the governor. When he discovered that the "Mormons" 
were attempting to " fight it out," he had a great change 
of heart and issued his disgraceful "exterminating order," 
the greatest blot on the escutcheon of the state of Mis- 
souri. Others among the mob, and even officers of lesser 
dignity, had hinted at such a thing ; but it remained' for Lil- 
burn W. Boggs, governor of the state of Missouri, without 
provocation or due investigation, to issue by authority of the 
great office which he held, to the militia of that common- 
wealth, an order to exterminate or drive from Missouri 
twelve thousand defenseless citizens who had done no 
wrong. And the execution of this shameful and wicked 
order was to be carried out in the dead of winter, which 
would bring to pass exposure and death of delicate women 
and innocent children, against whom there could have been 
no charge. d 



^The exterminating order of Governor Boggs to General Clark 
is as follows : 

"Sir: — Since the order of the morning to you, directing you 
to cause four hundred mounted men to be raised within your divi- 
sion, I have received by Amos Rees, Esq., and Wiley C. Williams, 
Esq., one of my aids, information of the most appalling character, 
which changes the whole face of things, and places the Mormons 
in the attitude of open and avowed defiance of the laws, and of 
having made open war upon the people of this state. Your orders 
are, therefore, to hasten your operations and endeavor to reach 
Richmond, in Ray County, with all possible speed. The Mormons 
must be treated" as enemies and must be exterminated or driven 
from the state, if necessary for the public good. Their outrages are 
beyond all description. If you can increase your force, ,you are 
authorized to do so, to any extent you may think necessary. I 
have just issued orders to Major-General Wallock, of Marion 
Count}-, to raise five hundred men, and to march them to the 
northern part of Daviess and there to unite with General Doniphan. 
of Clay, who has been ordered with five hundred men to proceed 
to the same point for the purpose of intercepting the retreat of the 
Mormons to the north. They have been directed to communicate 



232 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

A Match to the Flame. — The Governor's order soon 
became generally known and the mobbers looked upon it, as 
well they might, as an approval of their unlawful course. 
Great excitement prevailed, and mobs assembled on every 
side. Marauders sallied forth, burning houses, driving off 
cattle, destroying property, ravishing women and threat- 
ening with death any who dared resist their fiendish deeds. 



with you by express ; and you can also communicate with them 
if you find it necessary. Instead, therefore, of proceeding as at 
first directed, to reinstate the citizens of Daviess in their homes, 
you will proceed immediately to Richmond, and there operate 
against the Mormons. Brigadier-General Parks, of Ray, has been 
ordered to have four hundred men of his brigade in readiness to 
join you at Richmond. The whole force will be placed under your 
command. 

"L. W. BOGGS," 

"Governor and Commander-in-Chief.'' 
"To General Clark." 



CHAPTER 25 

PERSECUTIONS OF THE SAINTS 
1838 

Clark's Fitness for His Job. — General John B. Clark 
was a resident of Jackson County. So was General Samuel 
D. Lucas. Both assisted in driving the "Mormons" from 
that county in 1833. Governor Lilburn W. Boggs was also 
from Jackson, and aided in that expulsion. At that time 
he was lieutenant governor, and worked secretly. These 
three men hated the Latter-day Saints with a mortal hate. 
General Clark was not the ranking officer in the state militia 
in 1838, but Boggs knew, from former experiences, whom 
to depend upon to execute his dastardly job. Few of the 
other generals, though several of them disliked the "Mor- 
mons, " could debase themselves enough to reach the level 
required to execute the governor's inhuman decree. Clark, 
who received the command, and Lucas who assisted him, 
were the two most fitted to carry out the order of exter- 
mination. 

The Haun's Mill Massacre. — There were a great 
many petty officers, and some sectarian priests, who could 
descend to any level. Human butchery, if "Mormons" 
were the victims, was to them but a recreation. Such a man 
was Col. William O. Jennings, of the state militia. Another 
was Captain Nehemiah Comstock, who served under Jen- 
nings. These "brave" men with an armed force of char- 
acters like themselves — all from the state troops — were 
assembled, at the close of the month of October, 1838, near 
a small settlement of the Saints at Haun's Mill, on Shoal 
Creek, about twelve miles due east of Far West. On the 
28th day of that month, a Sunday, Jennings approached the 
settlement and proposed a treaty of peace. The members 
of the Church located there, who were quietly minding their 
own business, knew not, when they were at peace, why they 
should be called on to enter into such an agreement. How- 



234 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

ever, knowing the status of affairs throughout upper Mis- 
souri, they gladly entered into such a treaty, and continued 
with their domestic affairs, feeling perfectly secure. In 
the meantime Col. Ashley had informed Col. Jennings of the 
governor's order of extermination. Thereupon Jennings 
and Nehemiah Comstock gathered their forces, about two 
hundred and forty men, and immediately started for Haun's 
Mill. 

Monday, October 29, 1838, passed in peace and quiet. 
Tuesday the 30th was clear and pleasant, an Indian summer 
day. In the afternoon, the Saints were engaged in their 
daily pursuits, the men in the fields and the shops; the 
women attending to domestic duties, and the children play- 
ing on the banks of the creek. Suddenly Jennings and his 
force approached at full speed, riding upon the settlement. 
David Evans, perceiving their evil intentions, raised his 
hands as a sign of peace; but they heeded him not. Con- 
tinuing their advance, they commenced to fire. The stricken 
people fled, seeking shelter and endeavoring to escape. 
Some fled into the thickets near their homes, and by this 
means escaped. For lack of time and want of a better pro- 
tection, several of the men and boys rushed into the black- 
smith shop. The cracks between the logs of the shop were 
so wide that the fiends on the outside could see their victims 
within. Surrounding the place, they poured volley after 
volley through the cracks with deadly effect. Several in- 
tended victims rushed from the shop amidst the fire of the 
mob; some escaped to the thicket; others were shot. Miss 
Mary Steadwell, while fleeing, was shot in the hand and 
fainted; falling over a log she remained protected by it. 
After the work of destruction was over, more than twenty 
musket balls were discovered in the log. Yet the execution- 
ers were principally seeking for the men, and let most of 
the women escape. 

After completing all the execution possible on the out- 
side of the shop, the ruffians pushed through the door and 
finished their bloody work. The terrible scene enacted there 



PERSECUTIONS OF THE SAINTS 235 

was one of the utmost brutality. It is told in the "History 
of Caldwell County," Missouri, with such excuses for the 
attack as the writers of such a history could employ. Never- 
theless the diabolical deeds of these members of the state 
militia, are partly related as follows : 

"Esq. Thomas McBride was an old soldier of the Revolu- 
tion. He was lying wounded and helpless, his gun by his 
side. A militiaman named Rogers came up to him and de- 
manded it. "Take it," said McBride. Rogers picked up 
the weapon, and finding that it was loaded, deliberately dis- 
charged it into the old man's breast. He. then cut and 
hacked the old veteran's body with a rude sword, or corn 
knife, until it was frightfully mangled. Wm. Reynolds, a 
Livingston County man, killed the little boy Sardius Smith, 
10 years of age. The lad had run into the blacksmith shop 
and crawled under the bellows for safety. Upon entering 
the shop the cruel militiaman discovered the cowering, 
trembling little fellow, and without even demanding his sur- 
render, fired upon and killed him, and afterwards boasted 
of the atrocious deed to Charles R. Ross and others. He 
described, with fiendish glee, how the poor boy struggled 
in his dying agony, and justified his savage and inhuman 
conduct in killing a mere child by saying, 'Nits will make 
lice, and if he had lived he would have been a Mormon/ " 

The names of those killed are as follows: Thomas Mc- 
Bride, Levi N. Merrick, Elias Benner, Josiah Fuller, Benja- 
min Lewis, Alexander Campbell, Warren Smith, George S. 
Richards, William Napier, Austin Hammer, Simeon Cox, 
Hiram Abbott, John York, John Lee, John Byers, Sardius 
Smith and Charles Merrick. Some of these were mere 
children. Many others were severely wounded but man- 
aged to escape with their lives, among them a boy, Alma 
Smith, who had the flesh of his hip shot away. He had the 
presence of mind to lie perfectly still and the fiends thought 
he was dead. Alma was miraculously healed through prayer 
and faith. 

After this terrible work the murderers proceeded to rob 
the houses, wagons and tents, and left the widows and chil- 



236 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

dren who escaped destitute of the necessities of life. They 
even stripped the bodies of the slain, and carried off their 
booty, shouting in fiendish glee and boasting of their deeds 
of blood, as though they were deeds of valor, worthy of the 
greatest praise and honor. 

Gathering of the Mob-Militia. — The same day of the 
massacre at Haun's Mill, General Samuel D. Lucas, in com- 
mand of two thousand men, arrived at Far West. With him 
were Brigadier Generals Doniphan, Parks, Graham and Wil- 
son, the latter another ruffian. General Clark was at Chari- 
ton, under a forced march, with the governor's exter- 
minating order and a force of about one thousand men. 

As the troops approached Far West towards the eve- 
ning of that day, they formed in double file about one half 
mile from the city. With a flag of truce they sent messengers 
to the city. They were met by Captain Morey, with a few 
other individuals, who desired to know what the gather- 
ing of the large armed force could mean, for as yet the 
"Mormon" people had not learned of the Boggs extermin- 
ating order. To their horror they were told that the body 
of troops were state militia, ordered there by the governor, 
to exterminate the people and burn the place. They de- 
manded three persons in Far West, Adam Lightner, a non- 
"Mormon," John Cleminson, who had lost the faith, and 
his wife, to be brought to them. When these three came 
out, the messengers told them, to leave Far West at once 
and save their lives, for they would be protected. The 
determination of the force of militia was to destroy Far 
West and kill the inhabitants. All three nobly said if the 
people were to be destroyed they would return and die with 
them. The officers immediately returned to the camp. 

Charles C. Rich was then dispatched with a flag of truce 
toward the camp of militia to have an interview with Gen- 
erals Atchison and Doniphan, who in the past had shown 
some sympathy for the "Mormons." On his way he was 
fired at by Captain Bogart. Nevertheless, he continued on 
his way and was granted the interview with Doniphan, who 



PERSECUTIONS OF THE SAINTS 237 

informed him that General Atchison had' been "dismounted" 
a few miles back, by order of the governor, for being too 
merciful to the "Mormons." He then plead with Doniphan 
to use his influence to protect the city from an attack, at 
least until the following morning. Doniphan replied that 
the governor had ordered the extermination of the "Mor- 
mons/' but his order had not arrived, and until it did there 
would be no attack upon the Saints. However, he could not 
vouch for the action of Cornelius Gilliam's company, which 
had just arrived, painted and decorated as Indians; their 
commander • styling himself the "Delaware Chief." These 
savages spent the night in making hideous yells and other 
disturbances. When Charles C. Rich returned to Far West 
and reported, Col. George M. Hinkle, who commanded the 
forces at Far West, sent another messenger to the mob- 
militia to plead for the lives of the people. He returned 
without a satisfactory answer and reported that he had 
learned that several members of the Church had been cap- 
tured by some of the troops, and had been brutally mur- 
dered, with no one to raise a voice in protest. 

During the night the Saints made such temporary forti- 
fication as they were able and with grim determination pre- 
pared to fight the best they could to the last, being outnum- 
bered more than five to one. Recruits were hourly joining 
the forces of their enemies. Among these came Col. Jen- 
nings and his band, fresh from the great "victory" at Haun's 
Mill. The Saints spent an anxious night in solemn sup- 
plication to the Lord. The women gathered such few loose 
articles as might be carried, and prepared for flight if the 
chance was offered them. Lyman Wight, with a small 
force, came from Adam-ondi-Ahman and suceeded in gain- 
ing Far West during the night. 

The Siege of Far West. — Early on the morning of the 
31st, Col. Hinkle sent another messenger to General Doni- 
phan. When he returned he stated that Doniphan had said 
that the governor's order had arrived and Lucas was pre- 
paring to carry it out. "He would be damned, if he would 



238 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

obey the order," was the report, "but Lucas could do as he 
pleased." 

The army, while encamped, permitted no person to go 
out or come in the city. Those who attempted it were shot 
at. Corn fields were destroyed and cattle, sheep and hogs 
wantonly killed by members of the mob-militia. 

Colonel Hinkle's Treachery. — About eight o'clock 
Col. Hinkle sought another interview, this time with Gen- 
eral Lucas, to learn if some compromise could not be ar- 
ranged to avoid a battle. Lucas promised to meet him with 
a flag of truce at two o'clock. At the time appointed the 
interview was held. Hinkle, John Corrill, who had within 
the past few weeks become disaffected, William W. Phelps 
and a Captain Morrison, met with Lucas and his aids when 
the following propositions were presented to Col. Hinkle 
for acceptance in behalf of the "Mormons :" 

1. "To give up their leaders to he tried and punished. 

2. "To make an appropriation of their property, all who 
had taken up arms, to the payment of their debts and in- 
demnity for damage done by them. 

3- "That the balance should leave the state, and be 
protected out by the militia, but to be permitted to remain 
under protection until further orders were received from 
the Commander-in-Chief. 

4. "To give up the arms of every description, to be re- 
ceipted for." 

At least, these were the terms according to the report 
Lucas made to Governor Boggs. What else he may have 
said is not on record. To these terms Col. Hinkle agreed, 
but asked to be given until the next day to comply with 
them. Lucas consented to this on the condition that Joseph 
Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt and 
George W. Robinson be turned over to the camp of the 
militia as hostages. If in the morning Hinkle failed to 
comply with the terms, these men would' be returned to 
Far West, and the attack should commence on the city. 
If he did comply, then these brethren, among others, should 




I 



240 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

be retained as prisoners to be tried. Hinkle returned to 
Far West and reported to Joseph Smith that the officers of 
the state militia desired an interview with the brethren men- 
tioned, hoping that the difficulties might be settled without 
carrying out the exterminating order. Said Parley P. Pratt : 
"We had no confidence in the word of a murderer and rob- 
ber; but there was no alternative, but to put ourselves into 
the hand's of such monsters, or to have the city sacked, and 
men, women and children massacred. We therefore com- 
mended ourselves to the Lord, and voluntarily surrendered." 
As they approached the camp in compliance with this order, 
General Lucas, with a guard of several hundred men, rode 
up, and with a haughty air ordered his men to surround the 
brethren. Colonel Hinkle was heard to say: "General, 
these are the prisoners I agreed to deliver up." The pris- 
oners were then marched into the camp surrounded by 
several thousand savage looking soldiers. "These all set up 
a constant yell," says Brother Pratt, "like so many blood- 
hounds let loose upon their prey. * * * If the vision 
of the infernal regions could suddenly be opened to the 
mind, with thousands of malicious fiends, all clamoring, 
exulting, deriding, blaspheming, mocking, railing, raging 
and foamng like a troubled sea, then could some idea be 
formed of the hell which we had entered." 

The prisoners were placed under a strong guard and 
forced to remain without shelter during the night in inclem- 
ent winter weather. The guard blasphemed; mocked the 
Savior; demanded miracles and said : "Come, Smith, show us 
an angel ; give us one of your revelations ; show us a mir- 
acle; come, there is one of your brethren in camp whom 
we took prisoner yesterday in his own house, and knocked 
his brains out with his own rifle, which we found hanging 
over his fire place; he lies speechless and dying ; a speak the 



• °This was a brother named Carey, who had been beaten over 
the head until his brains oozed out. He died shortly afterwards, 
having been exposed in that condition without shelter, all after- 
noon and night. 



PERSECUTIONS OF THE SAINTS 241 

word and heal him, and' then we will all believe; or, if you 
are apostles or men of God. deliver yourselves, and then 
we will be "Mormons." 6 

Condemned to be Shot. — Thursday morning, Novem- 
ber 1, 1838, Hyrum Smith and Amasa Lyman were brought 
by Col. Hinkle into the camp. That night a court martial 
was held, at which, besides the commanding officers of the 
mob-militia, Col. Hinkle, Judge Austin A. King, District At- 
torney Birch, and the Reverends Sashiel Woods, Bogart 
and several other priests, played a part. The prisoners were 
sentenced to be shot on the public square in Far West, Fri- 
day morning at 9 o'clock. This was, let it be said to their 
honor, over the protest of Generals Doniphan and Graham, 
and perhaps a few others. General Doniphan was given the 
order to carry out the execution. It was a most fortunate 
thing that he was selected, for he refused to obey the 
command. The order given him was as follows : 

^BRIGADIER GENERAL DONIPHAN : 

"Sir: — You will take Joseph Smith and the other pris- 
oners into the public square of Far West, and shoot them at 
9 o'clock tomorrow morning." 

"Samuel D. Lucas," 

"Major General Commanding." 
General Doniphan replied to this order by saying to his 
superior : 

"It is cold blooded murder. I will not obey your order. 
My brigade shall march for Liberty tomorrow morning at 
8 o'clock ; and if you execute these men, I will hold you re- 
sponsible before an earthly tribunal, so help me God." 
"A. W. Doniphan," 

"Brigadier General." 

Although this was an act of insubordination, it fright- 
ened the criminal general and his (willing aids. No charge 
was ever made against Doniphan, for they dared not make 
one. 

Plundering of the Militia. — Col. Hinkle, according 

& Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, p. 204. 
17 



242 ESSENTIALS M CHURCH HiSTOR F 

to his agreement, marched the militia companies at Far 
West out of the city and grounded their arms, which were 
the private property of the men who held them. Then the 
mob force was let loose. They entered the city without re- 
straint, on pretext of searching the homes for additional 
arms. They tore up floors; ruined furniture; destroyed 
property; whipped the men and forced them to sign deeds 
to their property at the point of the bayonet; and violated 
the chastity of women, until their victims died. About eighty 
men were taken prisoners and the people were ordered to 
leave the state, and were forbidden, under threat of death, 
to assemble more than three in a place. Notwithstanding all 
this, General Lucas reported to the governor how orderly 
and decorous were his troops. 

Prisoners Taken to Independence. — The prisoners 
after an earnest appeal, were permitted to visit their homes, 
under a a strong guard, to obtain a change of clothing. They 
were, however, given strict command not to speak, or enter 
into conversation with the members of their families. When 
the Prophet visited his home the children clung to his gar- 
ments. He requested the privilege of a private interview 
with his family, which was denied him. Hyrum Smith, 
whose wife less than two weeks later was confined, c drew 
attention to the condition in his home; but received in an- 
swer only gibes and insults. Parley P. Pratt underwent 
a similar scene, and in the anguish of his soul appealed to 
General Moses Wilson, who answered him with an exult- 
ant laugh, and a taunting reproach. 

After these painful scenes, the prisoners were started 
for Independence, under a strong guard commanded by 



c During these trying scenes, November 13, 1838, while Hyrum 
Smith, with the Prophet and the other prisoners, were incarcerated, 
Joseph Fielding Smith, who afterwards became President of the 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was born at Far 
West. When he was but a few days old, members of this mob- 
militia entered the home, ransacked it, and turned the bedding, on 
which the infant lay, upside down, smothering him until his life 
was apparently gone when he was discovered. 



PERSECUTIONS OF THE SAINTS 243 

Generals Lucas and Wilson. On the way orders came from 
General Clark to have the prisoners sent to him, but this 
General Lucas was not willing to do. Clark, without ques- 
tion, wanted the honor of putting the prisoners to death. 
Through his vanity, Lucas wanted to exhibit them before 
their enemies in Jackson County, and pose as a great hero 
in triumph. Between the rivalry of the two, not forgetting 
the hand of the Lord' which was over them, their lives were 
spared/ 

Prisoners in Richmond. — On the 3rd of November, 
1838, the prisoners arrived in Jackson County and the next 
day were taken by order of General Lucas, to Independence. 
General Clark, however, would not permit them to stay, 
desiring to gain possession of them himself. Therefore, 
he sent Col. Sterling Price with instructions to have them 
removed immediately to Richmond, Ray County. They ar- 
rived in Richmond on the 9th, and were imprisoned in a 
vacant house. On their way they met General Clark, and 
asked him why they had been carried from their homes and 
what the charges were against them. Clark said he was 
not then able to determine, but would be prepared to tell in 
a short time. When they were confined Clark sent Price 
with two chains and padlocks and had the prisoners fastened 
together. The windows were then nailed down ; the prison- 
ers were searched and the only weapons they had (their 
pocket knives) were taken away. While this was going on 
armed guards stood with cocked guns pointed at them. 
Here the brethren were kept many days awaiting trial. 

Rebuking the Guards, — While incarcerated in this 






<*Parley P. Pratt declared that General Wilson made the follow- 
ing statement: "It was repeatedly insinuated, by the other officers 
and troops, that we should hang you prisoners on the first tree 

we came to on the way to Independence. But I'll be d d if 

anybody shall hurt you. We just intend to exhibit you in Inde- 
pendence, and let the people look at you, and see what a d d 

set of fine fellows you are. And, more particularly, to keep you 
from that old bigot of a general, Clark, and his troops, from 
down county, who are so stuffed with lies and prejudice, that 
they would shoot you down in a moment." 



244 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

prison, the brethren were guarded by some of the vilest 
wretches that could be found, who spent their time in the 
presence of their prisoners relating their horrible deeds of 
wickedness. This thing continued for some time, when 
the Prophet, unable to stand it any longer, arose and re- 
buked them. The occurrence is graphically related by El- 
der Parley P. Pratt in the following words : 

"During this time Elder Rigdon was taken very sick, 
from hardship and exposure, and finally lost his reason; 
but still he was kept in a miserable, noisy and cold room, 
and compelled to sleep on the floor with a chain and pad- 
lock round his ankle, and fastened to six others. Here he 
endured the constant noise and confusion of an unruly 
guard, the officer of which was Colonel Sterling Price, since 
governor of the State. 

"These guards were composed generally of the most 
noisy, foul-mouthed, vulgar, disgraceful rabble that ever 
,defiled the earth. * * * Mrs. Robinson, a young and 
delicate female, with her infant, came down to see her hus- 
band [George W. Robinson], and to comfort and take care 
of her father [Sidney Rigdon] in his sickness. When she 
first entered the room, amid the clank of chains and the 
rattle of weapons, and cast her eyes on her sick and de- 
jected parent and sorrow-worn husband, she was speechless, 
and only gave vent to her feelings in a flood of tears. This 
faithful lady, with her little infant, continued by the side 
of her father till he recovered from his sickness, and till his 
fevered and disordered mind resumed its wonted powers. 

"In one of those tedious nights we had lain as if in 
sleep till the hour of midnight had passed, and our ears and 
hearts had been pained, while we had listened for hours to 
the obscene jests, the horrid oaths, the dreadful blasphemies 
and filthy language of our guards, Colonel Price at their 
head, as they recounted to each other their deeds of rapine, 
murder, robbery, etc., which they had committed among the 
'Mormons' while at Far West and vicinity. They even 
boasted of defiling by force wives, daughters, and virgins, 
and of shooting or dashing out the brains of men, women 
and children. 

"I had listened till I became so disgusted, shocked, hor- 



PERSECUTIONS OF THE SAINTS 245 

rified, and so filled with the spirit of indignant justice that 
I could scarcely refrain from rising upon my feet and re- 
buking the guards ; but had said nothing to Joseph, or any 
one else, although I lay next to him and knew he was awake. 
On a sudden he arose to his feet, and spoke in a voice of 
thunder, or as the roaring lion, uttering, as near as I can 
recollect, the following words: 

"SILENCE, ye fiends of the infernal pit. In the name 
of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still. 
I will not live another minute and hear such language. Cease 
such talk, or you or I die THIS INSTANT! 

Majesty in Chains. — "He ceased to speak. He stood 
erect in terrible majesty. Chained, and without a weapon; 
calm, unruffled and dignified as an angel, he looked upon 
the quailing guards ; whose weapons were lowered or drop- 
ped to the ground, whose knees smote together, and who, 
shrinking into a corner, or crouching at his feet, begged his 
pardon, and remained quiet till a change of guards. 

"I have seen the ministers of justice, clothed in magisterial 
robes, and criminals arraigned before them, while life was 
suspended on a 'breath, in the courts of England; I have 
witnessed a Congress in solemn session to give laws to na- 
tions ; I have tried to conceive of kings, of royal courts, of 
thrones and crowns; and of emperors assembled to decide 
the fate of kingdoms ; but dignity and majesty have I seen 
but once, as it stood in chains, at midnight, in a dungeon in 
an obscure village of Missouri."* 

General Clark at Far West. — In the meantime (No- 
vember 4), General Clark arrived at Far West with 1600 
men, and 500 more on the outskirts of the city. He ordered 
General Lucas to send to Adam-ondi-Ahman and there take 
all the "Mormon" men prisoners and secure their property, 
till the best means could be adopted for paying damages 
due to the mob troubles. On the 5th, Clark ordered all the 
men at Far West to form in line, when the names of fifty- 
six were called and they were made prisoners to await trial 
for something which was not defined. On the 6th, he again 



^Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt. Pages 228-9. 



246 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

gathered the male portion of the population and read to them 
a written address which he had prepared. 

His Harrangue. — Feeling safe in the presence of so 
many helpless men, and flanked by his troops, he made bold 
to impress upon the brethren the enormity of their crimes. 
He read to them a number of stipulations to which they 
must comply. The first, second and third, to the effect that 
they must surrender their leading men, deliver their arms, 
and sign over their properties to defray expenses of the 
"war." This, he said, they had done. The fourth is here 
repeated : 

"Another article yet remains for you to comply with, 
and that is, that you leave the state forthwith ; and whatever 
may be your feelings concerning this, or whatever your in- 
nocence, it is nothing to me ; General Lucas, who is equal in 
authority with me, has made this treaty with you — I approve 
of it — I should have done the same had I been here. I am 
therefore determined to see it fulfilled. The character of this 
state has suffered almost beyond redemption, from the char- 
acter, conduct and influence that you have exerted, and we 
deem it an act of justice to restore her character to its former 
standing among the states, by every proper means. 

"The orders of the governor to me were that you should 
be exterminated, and not allowed to remain in the state, and 
had your leaders not been given up, and the terms of the 
treaty complied with, before this, you and your families 
would have been destroyed and your houses in ashes. 

"There is a discretionary power vested in my hands 
which I shall exercise in your favor for a season; for this 
lenity you are indebted to my clemency. I do not say that 
you shall go now, but you must not think of staying here 
another season or of putting in crops, for the moment you 
do this the citizens will be upon you. If I am called here 
again, in case of a non-compliance of a treaty made, do not 
think that I shall act any more as I have done — you need 
not expect any mercy, but extermination, for I am deter- 
mined the governor's order shall be executed. As for your 
leaders, do not once think — do not imagine for a moment — 
do not let it enter your mind that they will be delivered, or 



PERSECUTIONS OF THE SAINTS 24? 

that you will see their faces again, for their fate is fixed — 
their die is cast — their doom is sealed." 

He then very graciously pleaded with them, and invoked 
the "Great Spirit, the unknown God," to make them suf- 
ficiently intelligent to break the chains of superstition, that 
they no longer worship man, and never again organize with 
bishops, presidents, etc., but to become like other men. 

Trial in Daviess County. — About this time Gover- 
nor Boggs wrote General Clark to hold a military court in 
Daviess County, and try those "guilty of the late outrages, 
committed towards the inhabitants of said county." He was 
desirous of having the whole matter "settled completely, if 
possible" before the forces should be disbanded. "If the 
''Mormons' are disposed/' said Boggs, "voluntarily to leave 
the state, of course it would be advisable in you to promote 
that object, in any way deemed proper. The ringleaders of 
this rebellion, though, ought by no means to be permitted to 
escape the punishment they merit." General Robert Wilson 
was detailed to Daviess County to take possession of the 
prisoners. All the men in the town of Adam-ondi-Ahman 
were placed under arrest, and a court of inquiry instituted 
with the mobber Adam Black on the bench. Notwithstand- 
ing this, after three days of examination, Black acquitted 
them all. No one knew better than he of their innocence. 

The Charges Against Joseph Smith and Companions. 
— General Clark spent some time searching the laws to find 
some authority by which the Prophet and companions could 
be tried for treason by court martial. He even sent to Fort 
Leavenworth seeking such information, which could not be 
found. It caused him extreme annoyance that no law could 
be invoked to try private citizens by military code when 
there was no war. He knew some charges would have to be 
preferred against the accused, so he wrote the governor say- 
ing he had, on November 10, 1838, made out charges against 
the prisoners and had called Judge Austin A. King to try 
them as a committing court. He also suggested that they 
be tried by court martial, especially, said he, should Joseph 



248 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Smith be so tried, but he could not discover authority for 
such procedure, and requested the opinion of the attorney 
general on that point. "There being no civil officers in Cald- 
well," he said, "I have to use the military to get witnesses 
from there, which I do without reserve." The civil officers 
in Caldwell, being "Mormons" had all been cast into jail, 
and of course were not available. He closed his epistle by 
saying the accused brethren were guilty of "treason, murder, 
arsori; r burglary, robbery, larceny, and perjury." The re- 
ply he received was" to turn the prisoners over to the civil 
law, which order hurt him very much, for he hoped to have 
the pleasure of attending to their execution, after a military 
trial. In fact, he and Lucas had on several occasions set 
the date of execution, but the hand of the Lord was always 
over the afflicted brethren. 

The Trial.— Monday, November 12, 1838, Judge King- 
sent out armed men to obtain witnesses, some of whom 
came and testified willingly to falsehoods; others came re- 
luctantly. Among the witnesses who testified against the 
brethren were: Dr. Sampson Avard, originator of the 
"Danites," who, later, was excommunicated from the Church 
for the offense ; John Corrill, George M. Hinkle, Reed Peck, 
John Cleminson, Burr Riggs, William W. Phelps, John 
Whitmer, and others who formerly belonged to the Church. 
The testimony of the prosecution continued until the 18th. 
Then the court called for witnesses for the defense ; 
forty or more names were given, and the Reverend-Captain 
Bogart was dispatched with a company of militia to get 
them. He got them and brought them, not to the court, 
but to prison, and confined them there. During the week, 
the judge taunted the brethren because no witnesses ap- 
peared in their defense. Other names were given, and the 
same reverend-captain was sent for them. He did not find 
many, for the witnesses, learning what had happened to their 
fellows, could not be found. The few he did discover 
he also brought and cast behind the bars. In this manner the 
mock trial proceeded from day to day. On the 24th, twenty- 



PERSECUTIONS OF THE SAINTS 249 

three of the defendants were released, and by the 28th all 
the others were acquitted' or admitted to bail, excepting the 
following : Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Ly- 
man Wight, Caleb Baldwin and Alexander McRae, who 
were ordered to be taken to Liberty, Clay County, and there 
committed to stand trial on the various charges named; 
Parley P. Pratt, Morris Phelps, Luman Gibbs, Darwin Chase 
and Norman Shearer, who were taken to Richmond Jail, 
there also to await trial for the same "crimes." 

Nature of the Testimony. — Some of the witnesses 
testified that the Church was a temporal kingdom, which 
would, according to the teachings of its leaders, eventually 
"fill the whole earth and subdue all other kingdoms." The 
seventh chapter of Daniel was referred to several times. 
The brethren were asked by the judge if they believed in 
Daniel's prophecy and when they answered in the affirma- 
tive, Judge King turning to his clerk said : "Write that 
down; it is a strong point for treason." The defendants' 
attorneys, Doniphan and Rees, protested saying, "Judge, 
you had better make the Bible treason." These attorneys 
advised their clients not to make any defense or attempt 
to furnish other witnesses, for it was useless. Doniphan ob- 
served that if a cohort of angels were to come down, and 
declare the prisoners innocent, it would all be the same, 
for Judge King had determined from the beginning to cast 
them into prison. 

Malinda Porter, Delia F. Pine, Nancy Rigdon, Jona- 
than W. Barlow, Thoret Parson, Ezra Chipman and Arza 
Judd, Jr., volunteered to testify for the defense, but were 
prevented from giving testimony favorable to the accused 
at the point of the bayonet. 

November 29, 1838, Joseph Smith and fellow prisoners 
were committed to the keeping of the sheriff of Clay County, 
who took them to Liberty and cast them in prison. Parley 
P. Pratt and fellows were likewise retained in Richmond, 
and thus ended this "trial" before Judge King. 



CHAPTER 26 

THE EXPULSION FROM MISSOURI 
1838—1839 

The Case Before the Legislature. — In December, 

1838, the Legislature of Missouri met. Governor Boggs 
laid before that body the information in his hands rela- 
tive to the difficulty with the Latter-day Saints. This in- 
formation was woefully lacking in the matter of the peti- 
tions and documents sent to him in defense of the Saints. 
On the 10th of that month Brigham Young, Heber C. Kim- 
ball, John Taylor and other brethren petitioned the legisla- 
ture, setting forth their side of the case. This petition was 
presented to David R. Atchison and others, December 17. 
The following day Mr. Turner, from a joint committee, pre- 
sented before the senate a report of findings, based on the 
governor's information. This report stated that the evidence 
was "not authenticated," and was confined chiefly to inves- 
tigation of criminal charges against individuals under ar- 
rest; the evidence was ex parte; and without aid of fur- 
ther evidence, the committee could not form a satisfactory 
opinion in relation to the material points. For these rea- 
sons, and because "it would be a direct interference with 
the administration of justice, the committee reported that 
this document ought not to be published, with the sanction 
of the legislature." December 19, the petition of the 
brethren was presented by John Corrill, who had but re- 
cently departed from the Church. It was read in profound 
silence, but at the close of the reading, the house was in an 
uproar. A Mr. Childs, of Jackson County, denounced the 
petition saying there was not a word of truth in it. Mr. 
Ashley, of Livingstone County, denounced the "Mormons" 
as did also Mr. Young, of Lafayette. Ashley was one of the 
murderers at Haun's Mill, and even boasted of that slaughter 
before the house. Mr. Redman, of Howard County, and 
Mr. Gyer, of St. Louis, and a few other members, de- 



THE EXPULSION FROM MIS SO URI 25 1 

manded a full investigation, for they believed there was 
truth in the petition, and the actions of those members in 
opposing an investigation was because they feared their 
evil deeds might be brought to light. The result of it all was 
that the petition was laid on the table, "until the 4th day of 
July next," — Independence day. January 16, 1839, Mr. Tur- 
ner introduced in the senate a bill "to provide for the in- 
vestigation of the late disturbances in this state." The bill 
passed the senate, but when it came to the house (Feb. 4) 
it followed the petition and was laid on the table, also to 
be taken up on Independence day. Many considered this an 
approval of the wrongs committed on the "Mormons" in 
Missouri. David R. Atchison and a few others vigorously 
protested against such criminal action, but found themselves 
in the minority, for the motion prevailed by a majority of 
eleven votes. 

Legislative Appropriations. — In December, the legis- 
lature of Missouri appropriated two thousand dollars "to be 
distributed among the people of Daviess and Caldwell 
Counties. The "good" people of Daviess were very "gener- 
ous" and felt that they could do without their portion of 
this appropriation, and let it be given to the people of Cald- 
well. They could well afford to do such a thing, for they 
had robbed the "Mormon" people of nearly all they pos- 
sessed. They had ransacked their homes and carried off 
their household furniture and goods, and otherwise en- 
riched themselves at the expense of the Saints who had 
dwelt among them. This sum, so it was pretended, was 
distributed among the people in Caldwell. Judge Cameron 
and others attended to the "distribution." The way they 
did it was to drive off the hogs belonging to the "Mor- 
mons" and shoot them, and without further bleeding, cut 
them up and deliver them to the Saints, at four or five 
cents a pound. They also "gave them a few calicos," and the 
"sweepings of an old store," charging them an extra price 
for the goods, and thus was the "munificient" sum of two 
thousand dollars distributed among the "Mormons." Later 



252 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

the same legislature appropriated two hundred thousand dol- 
lars to pay the troops for their work in driving the "Mor- 
mons" from the state. In this manner were law and jus- 
tice administered in Missouri in the years 1838 and 1839. 

Extent of "Mormon" Losses. — The total value of the 
property destroyed in Missouri, which belonged to the Saints, 
is beyond our knowledge. It ;was estimated to be not less 
than two million dollars, from the time they first settled 
in that state until their expulsion. About twelve hundred 
members of the Church were driven from Jackson County 
in 1833, and all their property was lost to them. When 
again they were forced to leave Clay County, though they 
went peaceably at the request of the other citizens, they 
left behind them a vast amount of property for which no 
remuneration was ever received. When they were expelled 
from the state in the winter of 1838-9, the Saints num- 
bered between twelve and fifteen thousand souls. All 
their property, except thie little they were able to 
gather hastily and carry with them, was either de- 
stroyed or stolen by their enemies. In the appeal made 
to Congress and the President of the United States, in 
1839, the amount of their losses was estimated at two mil- 
lion dollars. Claims against Missouri for the losses were 
presented to Congress in the sum of $1,381,044.00, and this 
represented only 491 individuals; many others who lost 
property, entered no claims for damages against that state. 

In addition to this loss of property, the Prophet Joseph 
paid in lawyers' fees, for the defense of the people and him- 
self, against the unhallowed persecutions of their enemies, 
about fifty thousand dollars; with very little benefit in re- 
turn. And for all this, the generous state of Missouri, for a 
show before the world of their charity and kindness toward 
the people they had robbed, could afford to appropriate the 
magnificent sum of two thousand dollars ! And what of the 
blood of men, women and children which had been shed by 
these human fiends? 

In Liberty Prison. — After the mock trial in Rich- 



THE EXPULSION FROM MISSO URl 253 

mond, Joseph Smith and his five companions were imprison- 
ed in Liberty, Clay County, for a period of six months. 
Here they suffered, during that time, many untold hard- 
ships. Much of the time they were bound in chains. Their 
food was often not fit to eat, and never wholesome or 
prepared with the thought of proper nourishment. Sev- 
eral times poison was administered to them in their food, 
which made them sick nigh unto death, and only the prom- 
ised blessings of the Lord saved them. Their bed was on the 
floor, or on the flat side of a hewn white oak log, and in 
this manner they were forced to suffer. Is it any wonder 
that they cried in the anguish of their souls unto the Lord, 
for relief from such inhuman treatment? 

Epistles From Prison. — The Lord did not forsake 
them. While they were confined, the brethren wrote a num- 
ber of communications to the Saints. Occasionally their 
friends were privileged to visit them, but always in the 
presence of a strong and heavily armed guard. Letters with 
words of comfort were occasionally received, and in this 
way their spirits were buoyed up, which enabled them to 
stand their trials. On March 25, 1839, an epistle of special 
import was written from the prison to the Saints scattered 
abroad, and to the bishop, Edward Partridge, in particular. 
This epistle portrayed many of their grievances and ex- 
pressed their love and fellowship for the Saints. Above all 
this, however, they poured out their souls to the Lord ask- 
ing for relief, and wondering why they were so severely 
punished. The Lord gave them answer which comforted 
them and built them up in hope. They also received en- 
couragement, and assurance of their delivery from bonds, 
which was soon to come to pass. a 

Release of Sidney Rigdon. — The Prophet wrote in his 
Journal that January 1, 1839, "dawned upon us as prisoners 
of hope, but not as sons of liberty. O Columbia, Columbia ! 



a The prayer and the answer the Lord gave the Prophet 
are found in sections 121, 122, 123, of the Doctrine and Cove- 
nants. 



2U ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

How thou art fallen ! 'The land of the free, the home of the 
brave !' 'The asylum of the oppressed' — oppressing thy 
noblest sons, in a loathsome dungeon, without any provo- 
cation, only that they have claimed to worship the God of 
their fathers according to his own word, and the dictates 
of their own consciences." Elder Parley P. Pratt and his 
companions in tribulation were still held in bondage in 
their doleful prison in Richmond. The brethren appealed to 
the supreme court in Missouri for a writ of habeas corpus. 
Twice their petition was denied. They also petitioned the 
judges of the county for like privileges, and sent a memorial 
to the legislature asking that they be granted a fair and 
impartial trial before an unprejudiced judge in some other 
circuit, where they might have hope of justice, which could 
not ibe obtained from Judge King. Finally, in the latter 
part of February, 1839, they prevailed on Judge Turnham, 
one of the county judges, who granted their request after 
some reluctance. The judge was afraid of the mob, for the 
threats were made by the members of the banditti, that if 
any judge, jury or court of any kind, should free the pris- 
oners they would be killed. Great threatenings were made 
at the time of this trial, and the brethren would have been 
liberated, only for the blundering, wilfully or ignorantly, 
of their lawyers. Sidney Rigdon, who had suffered terribly 
because of exposure and the ill-treatment he had received, 
he being much older and less able to endure than the other 
brethren, was released by the action of the judge, at this 
time. Through a kindness on the part of the sheriff, Samuel 
Hadley, and the jailer, Samuel Tillery, he was let out of 
prison in the night, for fear of the mob, and told to make 
his way out of the state as soon as he could. Even as it 
was, he was pursued by a body of armed men; but having 
a good start made his way to Quincy, Illinois. 

Departure for Daviess. — The refusal on the part of the 
courts and officials to grant a final trial — for it should be 
remembered the brethren were being held on a preliminary 
hearing all these months — and the threatenings of numer- 



THE EXPULSION FROM MISSO URi 255 

cms enemies caused the brethren to determine on making 
their escape if possible. Once they tried and failed. Again 
the opportunity presented itself, and the Lord indicated to 
them that if they were united they could gain their 
fieedom, but the stubbornness of Lyman Wight defeated 
their purpose. The latter part of March, Elders Heber C. 
Kimball and Theodore Turley went to Jefferson City with 
necessary papers, to see the governor, but he was absent. 
However, they saw the secretary of state, who appeared 
astonished at the action of Judge King, and who wrote the 
judge a letter. They also saw the supreme court judges, but 
due to the blundering of their attorney, Doniphan, the}' 
were unable to obtain a writ of habeas corpus. They re- 
turned to Liberty on the 30th of March. April 4, they 
had an interview with Judge Austin A. King, who was 
angry to think they had been to see the governor. King 
said he could have done all that they desired, and would 
have signed their petition if he had been approached, for 
all the prisoners, but Joseph Smith, "and he was not fit 
to live." Fearing that the brethren might obtain a change 
of venue, Judge King hurried off with them, April 6, 1839, 
to Daviess County, where he hoped to continue his per- 
secution. Perhaps he hoped they would be murdered, for 
a band of fifty men in Daviess County, on learning that 
the prisoners were coming, took an oath that they would 
neither eat nor drink until they had murdered the Prophet. 
The prisoners arrived at Gallatin, April 8, and the fol- 
lowing day the examination of witnesses commenced before 
the grand jury, over which Judge King acted as the pre- 
siding judge. Judge Birch, the county judge, who pre- 
viously assisted in the prosecution of the brethren, was as- 
sociated with him. Both judges and jury were drunk while 
the case proceeded, and the men of the jury were members 
of the raiding party of Haun's Mill. They served on the 
jury during the day and as guards at night, and in their 
drunken debauchery boasted of their many crimes. On the 
11th of April, they brought in a "true bill" against the 



i 



256 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

prisoners for "murder, treason, burglary, arson, larceny, 
theft and stealing." 

A Change of Venue.— On April 15, 1839, the breth- 
ren obtained from Judge Birch a change of venue from 
Daviess to Boone County, and a mittimus was made out by 
him without date, name or place. The prisoners were fitted 
out with a two-horse wagon, necessary horses, and four 
men besides the sheriff, to guard them to Boone County. 
The prisoners numbered five, as follows : Joseph Smith, 
Hyrum Smith, Lyman Wight, Caleb Baldwin, and Alex- 
ander McRae. They started from Gallatin in the afternoon 
and went as far as Diahman, where they camped for the 
night at Judge Morin's. The next day they went about 
twenty miles where a jug of whiskey was procured, and 
all of the guards, save one, got drunk and went to bed. 
The sheriff showed the prisoners the mittimus and said 
to them that Judge Birch told him never to carry them 
to Boone County, and never to show the mittimus, and, the 
sheriff said : "I shall take a good drink of whiskey and go 
to bed, and you may do as you are a mind to." 

The Escape. — The prisoners bought from the guards 
two of the horses, paying for one with clothing, and giving 
their note for the other. After four of the guards had re- 
tired and were asleep in drunken slumber, the fifth helped 
them to saddle the horses and started them on their way. 
Two of the brethren mounted and three went on foot, 
changing places from time to time. Said Hyrum Smith, 
"we took our change of venue for the state of Illinois, and 
in the course of nine or ten days arrived at Quincy, Adams 
County." They found their families in good health, but in 
a state of poverty due to their persecutions and expulsion 
from Missouri's soil. 

A "Concocted Plan." — Samuel Tillery, the jailer at 
Liberty, told the prisoners that the persecutions against the 
Saints was a "concocted plan," framed by the various of- 
ficers who took part in it, from the governor down. It was 
first planned in the fore part of the year 1838, but was 



THE EXPULSION FROM MISSO URI 257 

not fully carried out until the militia was sent down against 
the. Saints in Caldwell and Daviess Counties. "But/' said 
Tillery, shortly before the removal of the brethren to 
Daviess County from Liberty Prison, "you need not be con- 
cerned, for the governor has laid a plan for your release." 
He also said that the governor was now ashamed enough 
of the whole transaction, and would be glad to set the 
prisoners at liberty, if he dared to do it. Without question 
the conspirators became alarmed. They did not plan the es- 
cape of the Prophet and associates because of any repent- 
ance, or remorse of conscience, but because of the fear of 
public sentiment, without as well as within the state. Knowl- 
edge of the dastardly actions of the officers of Missouri, 
who were pledged by oath to uphold and honor their con- 
stitution, which grants liberty to all citizens* 7 in their re- 
ligious worship, spread abroad into other commonwealths. 
The citizens of western Illinois received the exiled Saints 
with open arms, and invited them to make their homes among 
them. The governor of Iowa, Robert Lucas, wrote and 
spoke in a vehement manner in opposition to the treatment 
the "Mormon" people received in Missouri. He invited the 
Saints to make their homes within the borders of the ter- 
ritory of Iowa. All these things had their effect on the 
assassins in Missouri, and caused them to fear and tremble. 
Governor Boggs, himself, became sick of the reproach 
brought upon the state, and reached the point where he 



^The Constitution of Missouri read as follows: 
Article 4. That all men have a natural and indefeasible 
right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of 
their own consciences; and that no man can be compelled to 
erect, support, or attend any place of worship, or to maintain 
any minister of the Gospel, or teacher of religion; that no 
human authority can control or interfere with the rights of 
conscience; that no person can ever be hurt, molested, or re- 
strained in his religious professions, or sentiments,, if he do 
not disturb others in their religious worship. 

Article 5. That no person, on account of his religious opin- 
ions, can be rendered ineligible to any office of trust or profit 
under this state; that no preference can ever be given by law, 
to any sect or mode of worship. 
18 



258 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

would have gladly released Joseph Smith and his fellow- 
prisoners, but feared that such an action would properly be 
interpreted as an acknowledgment of his unlawful course. 
He preferred to have it so arranged that they could escape 
and appear before the world as fugitives from justice. 

Escape of Parley P. Pratt. — At the time Joseph Smith 
and his companions were sent to Liberty, Elders Parley P. 
Pratt, Morris Phelps, Luman Gibbs, Norman Shearer and 
Darwin Chase, were sent to Richmond, to await trial on 
the same charges. Here they suffered many untold hard- 
ships and deprivations in their dungeon, until April 24, 1839. 
a period of six months, when they were taken before the 
grand jury in Ray County, for a hearing of their case. The 
same notorious Judge Austin A. King presided at the de- 
liberations of this body. Norman Shearer and Darwin Chase* 
who were only boys, were released, and King Follett, an 
aged man, was added to the list of prisoners. A change of 
venue having been granted them, the brethren were taken 
to Columbia, Boone County, and again cast into prison. 
In the meantime Luman Gibbs apostatized, hoping to gain 
his liberty, but the crafty officers, although they treated him 
with improved consideration, still kept him in prison to act 
as a spy on his former brethren. July 4, 1839, Elders Pratt, 
Phelps and Follett, assisted on the outside by Orson Pratt 
and a young man named John W. Clark, a brother-in-law 
of Elder Phelps, escaped in a very thrilling and novel man- 
ner. Elder Follett was re-captured, but the other two made 
their way, after many hardships and difficulties, to Illinois 
and the presence of their families. Elder Follett was again 
cast into prison and bound in chains, but in course of a 
month or two was dismissed, no charge having been proved 
against him. 

Departure of the Exiles. — With all three members of 
the First Presidency in prison, the burden of removing the 
Saints from Missouri was placed on the shoulders of Pres- 
ident Brigham Young, of the council of the apostles. A pub- 
lic meeting was held at Far West, January 26, 1839, and x 






THE EXPULSION FROM MISSOURI 259 

committee composed of the following brethren was selected 
to draft resolutions and consider means for the removal of 
the Saints from Missouri : Brigham Young, Heber C. Kim- 
ball, John Taylor, Alanson Ripley, Theodore Turley, John 
Smith and Don Carlos Smith. This committee went to 
work gathering such means as could be obtained, and de- 
vising plans for the removal of the poor. Later a com- 
mittee on removal was appointed with the following mem- 
bers : William Huntington, chairman ; Charles Bird, Alan- 
son Ripley. Theodore Turley, Daniel Shearer, Shadrack 
Roundy and Jonathan H. Hale. During the winter months 
the exodus began, and many of the Saints gathered at 
Quincy, Illinois, where they received a kindly welcome. 
Due to their extreme poverty — for they had been robbed 
and plundered — many of the members of the Church were 
unable to get away before the spring of 1839. April ar- 
rived, and the vicious mobocrats met in council on the 6th, 
and determined that all the "Mormons" should be out of 
Caldwell County by the 12th of that month. All available 
learns were secured, and help was solicited from the mem- 
bers of the Church who were already in Illinois, and t' r e 
remaining Saints at Far West began their journey from 
Missouri. Thirty families were removed into Tenney's 
Grove, twenty- five miles from Far West, by the 14th of 
April, on their way to Quincy. Most of the committee re- 
mained at Far West until the last. President Brigham 
Young was forced to leave about the middle of February, 
to save his life from the angry Missourians who sought it. 
From the Illinois side he directed the location of the Saints. 
Thursday, April 18, 1839, Elder Heber C. Kimball 
notified the members of the committee on removal to wind 
up their affairs at once, and be off, for their lives were in 
grave danger. An armed force went to the home of Theo- 
dore Turley to shoot him ; similar action was taken against 
other members of the committee, and a number of mob- 
bers tried to kill Heber C. Kimball in the streets of Far 
West. The members of the Church had now departed ; 



260 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

many went by way of Richmond and the Missouri River 
to Quincy. The members of the committee who still re- 
mained, were given one hour to get out of the place. Hur- 
riedly gathering up such articles as they could take with 
them, they departed. The mobbers then commenced to loot 
the homes, which had not already been looted of all they 
contained. 

Governor Boggs and his aids had gained a great vic- 
tory; the Latter-day Saints had either been exterminated, 
or driven from the borders of Missouri, according to his 
order. Only those remained who were incarcerated, and 
the day of their deliverance was near at hand. 

Fulfilment of Prophecy. — A revelation was given 
July 8, 1838, calling John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford 
Woodruff and Willard Richards to the apostleship. John 
Taylor and John E. Page were ordained under the hands 
of Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball at a meeting- 
held in Far West, December 19, 1838. In this revela- 
tion (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 118) the apostles were commanded 
to take their leave of the Saints from the temple lot in Far 
West on the 26th day of April, 1839. April had arrived 
and the Saints were scattered', likewise the members of the 
council of the apostles. On the 5th day of April, Samuel 
Bogart, the mobber, with John Whitmer and a few other 
apostates, came to the room occupied by the committee on 
removal and read this revelation to Theodore Turley. With 
much laughter and assurance that it could not be fulfilled, 
they called on him to renounce Joseph Smith, which now 
he must do as a rational man. The apostates said: "The 
twelve are now scattered all over creation ; let them come 
here if they dare ; if they do, they will be murdered. As 
that revelation cannot be fulfilled, you will now give up 
your faith." Turley jumped up and said: "In the name of 
God that revelation will be fulfilled." They laughed him 
to scorn. John Whitmer hung his head in shame. In the 
course of the conversation Turley asked John Whitmer if 
his testimony regarding the Book of Mormon was true, and 



i 



THE EXPULSION FROM MISSOURI 261 

AVhitmer answered: "I now say, I handled those plates; 
there were fine engravings on both sides. I handled them ;" 
and he then described how they were hung, and then he 
said, "They were shown to me by a supernatural power." 

The 26th day of April arrived, and so also did the 
apostles at the temple lot in Far West. Early that morn- 
ing, these brethren and a few of the Saints assembled 
at the temple lot, and proceeded to transact the business 
of their mission as they were commanded, according to 
the following minutes: 

"At a conference held at Far West by the twelve, 
high priests, elders, and priests, on the 26th day of April, 
1839, the following resolution was adopted: 

"Resolved: That the following persons be no more fel- 
lowshiped in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints, but excommunicated from the same, viz. : Isaac 
Russell, Mary Russell, John Goodson and wife, Jacob 
Scott, Sen., and wife, Isaac Scott, Jacob Scott, Jun., Ann 
Scott, Sister Walton, Robert Walton, Sister Cavanaugh, 
Ann Wanless, William Dawson, Jun., William Daw- 
son, Sen., and wife, George Nelson, Joseph Nelson, and 
wife, and mother, William Warnock and wife, Jonathan 
Maynard, Nelson Maynard, George Miller, John Griggs 
and wife, Luman Gibbs, Simeon Gardner, and Freeborn 
Gardner/ 

"The council then proceeded to the building spot of 
the Lord's House ; when the following business was 
transacted : Part of a hymn was sung, on the mission 1 
of the twelve. 

"Elder Alpheus Cutler, the master workman of the 
house, then recommenced laying the foundation of the 
Lord's House, agreeably to the revelation, by rolling 
up a large stone near the southeast corner. 

"The following of the twelve were present: Brig- 
ham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, John E. 
Page, and John Taylor, who proceeded to ordain Wil- 

c At a conference held in Quincy, Illinois, March 17, 1839, 
George M. Hinkle, Sampson Avard, John Corrill, Reed Peck, 
Frederick G. Williams, Thomas B. Marsh, Burr Riggs and sev- 
eral others were excommunicated from the Church. 



262 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

ford Woodruff and George A. Smith, who had been 
previously nominated by the First Presidency, accepted 
by the twelve, and acknowledged by the Church, to the 
office of apostles and members of the quorum of the 
twelve, 'to fill the places of those who had fallen. Dar- 
win Chase and Norman Shearer, who had just been 
liberated from Richmond prison, where they had been 
confined for the cause of Jesus Christ, were then or- 
dained to the office of the seventies." 

After vocal prayer by each of the members of the 
council of the twelve, and singing, the apostles took their 
leave of the Saints there assembled, and departed for Il- 
linois, and later for their mission to Great Britain. And 
thus closed the history of the Latter-day Saints in Mis- 
souri until some future day. 



PART FOUR 

The Nauvoo Period 



CHAPTER 27 



THE FOUNDING OF NAUVOO 

1839—1840 

Seeking a New Home. — In January, 1839, the threats 
of the mob, and their violence, became so severe that the 
Saints at Far West were forced to flee from Missouri. In 
November. 1838, those members of the Church residing at 
Adanvondi-Ahman had been driven from their homes, and 
General Clark, in his abusive harrangue at Far West, told 
the people they must not think of remaining another sea- 
son. Should they attempt to put in crops he would extend 
no mercy, and extermination at his hands would be their 
doom. 

The exodus was carried on as rapidly as circumstances 
would permit. Even in the inclement weather of the winter 
months the vanguard made their way eastward as far as 
Ouincy, Illinois. Here they were met with a kindly' wel- 
come by the citizens of that place. Just where the Saints 
would locate was an indefinite problem, and the Prophet, 
still held in prison, could give them very little help. He ad- 
vised them to locate in some friendly territory between Far 
West and Kirtland, where they might dwell in peace. It is 
likely that many of the refugees from Missouri, who started 
on their eastward journey expected to work their way back 
to the former settlements of the Saints in Ohio ; but the hos- 
pitable treatment they received and the suggestions from the 
people of western Illinois, caused them to stop at Quincy. 
In fact, they could do little else in their stricken condition, 
and a kind word and a hand outstretched with relief, were 
most welcome. In Ouincy an organization known as the 



264 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Democratic Association extended every kindness to the ex- 
iles, and proffered to help them in their distress. Several 
meetings of this society were held, in which other citizens of 
Quincy took a part, in February and March of 1839. Sym- 
pathy was expressed for the "Mormons" and steps were 
taken to allay the prejudice of the misguided residents of 
Quincy, who felt an opposition to the Saints. At one of 
these meetings the "Mormons" were invited to attend, and 
Sidney Rigdon and others related the persecutions in Mis- 
souri, which account fell on sympathetic ears. Through this 
organization material assistance was given the Saints, and 
employment for many was provided. The organization 
voiced its disapproval of the evil treatment accorded the ex- 
iles while in Missouri, in the following resolutions : 

"Resolved, that we regard the rights of conscience as 
natural and inalienable, and the most sacred guaranteed by 
the Constitution of our free government. 

"Resolved, that we regard the acts of all mobs as flag- 
rant violations of law; and those who compose them, in- 
dividually responsible, both to the laws of God and man, for 
every depredation committed upon the property, rights, or 
life of any citizen. 

"Resolved, that the inhabitants upon the western frontier 
of the state of Missouri, in their late persecutions of the 
class of people denominated 'Mormons,' have violated the 
sacred rights of conscience, and every law of justice and 
humanity. 

"Resolved, that the governor of Missouri, in refusing 
protection to this class of people, when pressed upon by a 
heartless mob, and turning upon them a band of unprincipled 
militia, with orders encouraging their extermination, has 
brought a lasting disgrace upon the state over which he pre- 
sides." 

The Saints also were kindly received by Governor 
Thomas Carlin and United States Senator Richard M. 
Young, and many other prominent citizens of western Il- 
linois. 

In a communication to the Quincy Argus, Elder John 



THE FOUNDING OF NAUVOO 265 

Taylor expressed the gratitude of the "Mormon" people, 
and said they felt under peculiar obligations to the citizens 
of -Quincy; but he warned them against imposition on the 
part of any who may pretend to belong to the community of 
Latter-day Saints, but who were not — either those who never 
belonged to the Church, or those who, for cause, had been 
expelled. 

While the sympathies of these good people were, with- 
out question, given in sincerity, nevertheless there was more 
or less selfishness connected with their action. It is quite 
evident, from events to follow, that they expected to obtain 
some political and business advantages, out of the kindness 
extended to these destitute and stricken refugees, who sought 
a haven of peace and rest within the borders of the state. 
The expulsion from Missouri occurred shortly before one 
of the most intense presidential elections, and a residence 
within the State of Illinois for six months gave the citizens 
a right to vote. The politicians on both sides lost no op- 
portunity to seek the advantage which the "Mormon" vote 
would bring ; and the "Mormons," too heavily engaged with 
thoughts of recent persecutions, and hopes of building com- 
munities where they could dwell in perfect peace, failed ta 
comprehend the situation in which they were being placed*. 
By siding with one faction, it was bound to alienate the 
other, and thus cause bitterness of feeling which might not 
be overcome. In course of time such proved to be the case. 

Committee to Locate Lands. — While the Saints were 
gathering at Quincy, committees were appointed to seek out 
suitable places for permanent settlement. A meeting was 
held in February, 1839, to consider the proposition of pur- 
chasing about twenty thousand acres, at two dollars an 
acre, between the Des Moines and Missouri Rivers, on 
what were called half-breed lands. Other sites were also con- 
sidered from time to time, but no definite action was taken 
until the arrival of Joseph Smith at Quincy, from his long^ 
confinement in Liberty prison. Elder Israel Barlow, on his 
flight from Missouri, made his way to the northeast and 



266 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

arrived in a destitute condition near the mouth of the Des 
Moines River. There he was kindly received and related 
the sad experiences of the Latter-day Saints. He made the 
acquaintance of Dr. Isaac Galland, who owned considerable 
property both in Iowa and Illinois, a short distance farther 
north. Mr. Galland resided at a place called Commerce, in 
Hancock County, Illinois, about fifty miles up the Mississippi 
from Quincy and lying on the bank of the river. 

Commerce. — Mr. Galland in a communication to 
David W. Rodgers, suggested that the Saints locate in Iowa, 
which was a territory; for he thought they would be more 
likely to receive protection from mobs under the jurisdic- 
tion of the United States, than they would in a state of the 
Union, "where murder, rapine and robbery are admirable 
(!) traits in the character of a demagogue; and where the 
greatest villains often reach the highest offices." He also 
wrote to Governor Robert Lucas of Iowa, who had known 
the "Mormon" people, in Ohio, and who spoke very highly of 
them as good citizens. However, when the Prophet arrived 
at Quincy in April, he purchased from Hugh White a farm 
of one hundred and thirty-five acres, for the sum of five 
thousand dollars ; also another farm from Dr. Isaac Galland 
lying west of the White purchase, for nine thousand dol- 
lars. This property, which was located in the vicinity of 
Commerce was secured on long time notes. To these farms 
the destitute Saints commenced to gather, also to the little 
town of Montrose on the Iowa side of the river. 

Joseph Smith Moves to Commerce. — Friday, May 10, 
1839, President Joseph Smith took up his residence in a 
small log house on the bank of the Mississippi, on the White 
purchase, one mile south of Commerce. The first house 
built by any of the Saints in that part was raised by Theo- 
dore Turley, in June, 1839. When the purchase was made 
of the White and Galland property, Commerce consisted of 
one stone house, three frame and two block houses, three of 
which were log cabins. Between Commerce and David Hib- 
bard's place on the south front of the river there were four 



THE FOUNDING OF NAUVOO 267 

nouses, three of which were log" cabins, and into one of these 
the Prophet moved. The place was virtually a wilderness. 
The land was covered with trees and bushes, and much of 
it, in the lower parts near the river, was so wet that travel 
by team was impossible, and on foot, most difficult. Not- 
withstanding the unhealthful condition, the Prophet felt that 
by draining the land, and through the blessing of the Lord, 
the place could be made a pleasant habitation for the Saints, 
and he decided to build a city there. There was inspiration 







CITY OF NAUVOO 

in this decision, for this was an excellent site for the building 
of a city, when the unfavorable conditions of the lowlands 
were removed. The Mississippi makes a half circle around 
the place, giving three fronts on the river. The ground 
gradually rises from the river front for a distance of about 
one mile to the common level of the prairie lands which 
extend beyond. A more beautiful site could not be imagined. 
The City of Nauvoo. — The name "Commerce" was 
soon changed to "The City of Nauvoo." This word is of 
Hebrew origin, and "signifies a beautiful situation, or place," 



268 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

says the Prophet, "carrying with it, also, the idea of rest; 
and is truly descriptive of the most delightful location. It is 
situated on the east bank of the Mississippi River, at the 
head of the Des Moines Rapids, in Hancock County, bounded 
on the east by an extensive prairie of surpassing beauty, 
and on the north, west and south, by the Mississippi/' 
Nauvoo is about one hundred and ninety miles up the river 
from St. Louis, and nearly the same distance from Chicago, 
towards the west. 

Other Sites Chosen. — Other lands were also pur- 
chased, for the gathering of the Saints, all on easy terms. 
Additional property adjoining that obtained from White and 
Galland was obtained from David Hibbard, Daniel H. Wells, 
Hiram Kimball, Horace R. Hotchkiss and others, which 
later became a portion of the city of Nauvoo. Across the 
river on the Iowa side, extensive holdings also were oo- 
tained. The village of Nashville, in Lee County, with 
twenty thousand acres adjoining, were purchased ; also other 
lands opposite Nauvoo. Here the Prophet instructed the 
Saints that a city should be built, to be called Zarahemla. A 
number of members of the Church had located here when 
the Saints were driven from Missouri, and it appeared to 
be a suitable location for a permanent settlement of the 
people. 

Stakes of Zion Organized. — At the general confer- 
ence held at Commerce, October 5-7, 1839, two stakes 
of Zion were organized, one at Commerce, with William 
Marks as president, and one in Iowa, with John Smith as 
president. Later a number of other stakes were organized 
in Quincy, Lima, Columbus and Geneva, Illinois, but they 
did not continue very long. a The idea seemed to be that the 
Latter-day Saints should spread out over considerable ter- 
ritory, and form organizations in various parts of the coun- 
try, but this plan was abandoned, and the Saints scattered 
abroad were commanded by revelation in January, 1841, to 
gather to Hancock County, Illinois, and to Lee County, Iowa, 



°See table of stakes in appendix. 



THE FOUNDING OF NAUVOO 269 

and to build up the settlements in these parts occupied by 
the members of the Church. This was, the presidency 
wrote, ''agreeable to the order of heaven." Consequently, 
the Saints began to immigrate to Nauvoo, and the city grew 
rapidly by such additions. About one year after the location 
of the site, Nauvoo had a population of over three thou- 
sand souls, and six years later, at the time of the great west- 
ern exodus, about twenty thousand. The stake at Zarahemla 
was later discontinued, but John Smith remained there to 
preside over the Saints in Iowa. 

Miraculous Healing of the Sick. — Due to the un- 
healthful condition of the place when the people first ar- 
rived at Commerce, many were taken sick with malaria 
fever, and were nigh unto death. Some of the refugees 
were sheltered only by tents and wagon covers, for there 
had been little time, and less means, by which houses, even 
of logs, could be built. On the morning of July 22, 1839, the 
Prophet arose from his own bed of sickness and being filled 
with the Spirit of the Lord, he went forth along the river 
bank healing all who were afflicted. Among the number 
were Henry G. Sherwood and Benjamin Brown, who ap- 
peared in a dying condition. He later crossed over the river 
to Montrose and healed Brigham Young and a number of 
other brethren of the twelve, and took them along with him 
to assist him in this ministry. What took place in Iowa is 
thus related by Elder Wilford Woodruff: 

"After healing all the sick upon the bank of the river 
as far as the stone house, he called upon Elder Kimball and 
some others to accompany him across the river to visit the 
sick at Montrose. Many of the Saints were living at the 
old military barracks. Among the number were several of 
the twelve. On his arrival, the first house he visited was 
that occupied by Elder Brigham Young, the president of 
the quorum of the twelve, who lay sick. Joseph healed him, 
then he arose and accompanied the Prophet on his visit to 
others who were in the same condition. They visited Elder 
W. Woodruff, also Elders Orson Pratt and John Taylor, 
all of whom were living in Montrose. They also accom- 



270 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

panied him. The next place they visited was the home of 
Elijah Fordham, who was supposed to be about breathing 
his last. When the company entered the room the Prophet 
of God walked up to the dying man, and took hold of his 
right hand and spoke to him ; but Brother Fordham! was un- 
able to speak, his eyes were set in his head like glass, and 
he seemed entirely unconscious of all around him. Joseph 
held his hand and looked into his eyes in silence for a length 
of time. A change in the countenance of Brother Fordham 
was soon perceptible to all present. His sight returned, and 
upon Joseph asking him if he knew him, he, in a low whis- 
per, answered, 'Yes.' Joseph asked him if he had faith to 
be healed. He answered, 'I fear it is too late; if you had 
come sooner I think I would have been healed.' The Prophet 
said, 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ?' He answered in a 
feeble voice, 'I do.' Joseph then stood erect, still holding 
his hand in silence several moments; then he spoke in a 
very loud voice, saying: 'Brother Fordham, I command you 
in the name of Jesus Christ to arise from this bed and be 
made whole.' His voice was like the voice of God, and not 
of man. It seemed as though the house shook to its very 
foundations. Brother Fordham arose from his bed and 
was immediately made whole. His feet were bound in 
poultices, which he kicked off, then putting on his clothes 
he ate a bowl of bread and milk, and followed the Prophet 
into the street." 

In this manner the Prophet and the brethren passed 
from house to house, healing the sick and recalling them 
from the mouth of the tomb. It was on this occasion that 
a man, not a member of the Church, seeing the mighty mir- 
acles which were performed, begged the Prophet to go with 
him and heal two of his children who were very sick. The 
Prophet could not go, but said he would send some one to* 
heal them. Taking from his pocket a silk handkerchief he 
handed it to Elder Wilford Woodruff and requested him to 
go and heal the children. He told Elder Woodruff to wipe 
the faces of the children with the handkerchief, and they 
should be healed. This he did and they were healed. "As 
long as you keep that handkerchief," said Joseph to Brother 






i 



THE FOUNDING OF NAUVOO 271 

Woodruff, as he sent him on his way, "it shall remain a 
league between you and me." 

Incorporation of the City of Nauvoo. — Nauvoo was 
incorporated in December, 1840. On the 16th day of that 
month Governor Thomas Carlin signed the bill. Stephen A. 
Douglas was secretary of state ; and Abraham Lincoln, a 
member of the legislature, had favored the bill. The bound- 
aries of the city were defined, with ample provision for 
expansion. The city council was to consist of a mayor, 
four aldermen and nine councilors. The election was to take 
place on the first Monday in February, 1841. 

A Liberal Charter. — The charter of the city was one 
of most liberal powers. It was all— yes, even more — than 
the Saints, so long harassed by mobs, had hoped to receive. 
It contained twenty-eight sections and was bounded in its. 
limitations only by the Constitution of the United States 
and that of the state of Illinois. All the powers "conferred 
on the city council of the city of Springfield" were granted 
to the city of Nauvoo. The Mayor and Aldermen were 
given all the powers of justices of the peace, both in civil 
and criminal cases, arising under the laws of the state. A 
municipal court was provided composed of the mayor as 
chief justice, and the aldermen as associates. This court 
had power to grant writs of habeas corpus under all cases 
arising under the ordinances of the city council, and trial 
by jury was guaranteed before twelve men. 

The University of Nauvoo. — The city council was 
authorized to establish and organize the "University of the 
City of Nauvoo," for "the teaching of the arts, sciences and 
learned professions." This institution was to be under the 
management of a board of trustees, consisting of a chancel- 
lor, registrar and twenty-three regents. These trustees were 
to be appointed by the city council, and they were em- 
powered with all the "privileges for the advancement of the 
cause of education which appertain to the trustees of any 
other college or university of this state." 

The Nauvoo Legion. — Another provision granted the 



272 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

city council the power to "organize the inhabitants of said 
city, subject to military duty, into a body of independent mil- 
itary men, to be called the 'Nauvoo Legion,' the court 
martial of which shall be composed of the commissioned of- 
ficers of said legion, and constitute the law-making depart- 
ment, with full power and authority to make, ordain, estab- 
lish, and execute all such laws and ordinances as may be con- 
sidered necessary for the benefit, government, and regulation 
of said legion; provided said court martial shall pass no 
law or act, repugnant to, or inconsistent with the Constitu- 
tion of the United States, or of this State ; and provided also 
that the officers of the legion shall be commissioned by the 
governor of the State." This legion was to perform the 
same amount of military duty as other bodies of the regular 
militia, and to be subject to the call of the mayor in execut- 
ing the laws and ordinances of the city, and the governor 
for public defense. 

Election of Municipal Officers. — On the day ap 
pointed the election was held and John C. Bennett, who had 
taken a most active part in the securing of the charter, was 
elected mayor. The aldermen were William Marks, presi- 
dent of the stake, Samuel H. Smith, Newel K. Whitney and 
Daniel H. Wells, the latter at that time, not a member of 
the Church. The counselors were, Joseph Smith, Hyrum 
Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Charles C. Rich, John T. Barnett, 
Wilson Law, John P. Greene, Don Carlos Smith, and Vinson 
Knight. The council appointed Henry G. Sherwood, mar- 
shall; James Sloan, recorder; Robert B. Thompson, treas- 
urer; James Robinson, assessor; and Austin Cowles, super- 
visor of streets. When the Nauvoo Legion was organized, 
Joseph Smith was elected lieutenant general, which position 
he held until his death. 

Character of the Mayor. — John C. Bennett, the first 
mayor of Nauvoo, came to that place near the close of the 
year 1840. He was born in Massachusetts in 1804; prac- 
ticed medicine in Ohio and later in Illinois. He first heard 
of the Latter-day Saints during their persecutions in Mis- 



THE FOUNDING OF NAUVOO 21 3 

souri, and in the summer of 1840 corresponded with the 
Prophet, expressing great sympathy for the Saints, and dis- 
approval of the evil treatment they had received. i\t the 
time of his writing he was quartermaster-general of the 
state of Illinois, and had previously served as "brigadier 
general of the Invincible Dragoons," in the state militia. 
After coming to Nauvoo he joined the Church and was the 
most active agent in securing the city charter. He was a 
man of some ability, with many human weaknesses, and 
was bombastic and self-important. We must give him 
credit for sincerity of purpose in joining the Church al- 
though, without question, he was seeking worldly fame; 
but through later immoral conduct he became most bitter in 
his feelings, and an arch-traitor to the cause. His inaugural 
address, delivered February 3, 1841, contains many worthy 
sentiments, but expressed in a spirit of pedantry which 
spoiled much of the good effect. 

Freedom for All. — The first act passed by the city 
council of Nauvoo, was a resolution presented by Joseph 
Smith thanking the governor, the council of revision and 
the legislature of the state of Illinois, "for their unparalleled 
liberality" for the powers which the charter conferred. Later, 
but among the first ordinances introduced, was one assur- 
ing protection to Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists. Bap- 
tists, Latter-day Saints, and all other religious organizations. 
As the ordinance read, they were to have, "free toleration 
and equal privileges in this city, and should any person be 
guilty of ridiculing and abusing, or otherwise deprecating 
another, in consequence of his religion, or of disturbing or 
interrupting any religious meeting within the limits of this 
city, he shall, on conviction before the mayor or municipal 
court, be considered a disturber of the public peace, and fined 
in any sum not to exceed five hundred dollars, or imprison- 
ment not exceeding six months/' In various other ways 
were the liberties and personal rights of the citizens safe- 
guarded against the acts of rowdies, mobbers, and disturbers: 
of the peace. ■ , ; 



CHAPTER 28 

FOREIGN MISSIONARY LABORS 
1839—1841 

The Foreign Mission of the Twelve. — On the 26th 
•day of April, 1839, a majority of the apostles took their 
leave of the Saints at Far West — then a hostile land — to go 
forth and declare the everlasting Gospel "over the great 
waters" as they had been commanded. The families of 
these brave men had been recently and ruthlessly banished 
from their homes, and were on their journey seeking shelter 
and a friendly habitation. It required the greatest courage 
and the highest quality of faith for men to go forth across 
the ocean to a foreign country to preach the Gospel with- 
out purse or scrip, leaving their families in poverty, home- 
less, destitute, and ill. Yet this was the test to which these 
brethren were put at this time. They did not fail, but man- 
fully and nobly took up their cross and started on their mis- 
sions. Other brethren, of the seventies, just as faithful, 
accompanied them on their journey to the foreign field. 

No sooner was the main body of the Saints located in 
Iowa and Illinois, out of the reach of mobs, than most of 
the members of the council of the twelve started on their 
way to the British Isles. On the 2nd day of July, 1839, 
the presidency met with the apostles, and some others who 
were to accompany them, and gave them, instructions per- 
taining to their labors. On this occasion many important 
items on doctrine, the Priesthood, and the deportment of mis- 
sionaries in the field, were discussed. In the course of his 
instructions President Joseph Smith taught them to beware 
of self-sufficiency, and to observe charity and wisdom and 
to exercise the principle of mercy; for if we forgive our 
brother, or even an enemy, before he repent or ask forgive- 
ness, our heavenly Father will be equally merciful unto us. 
He further instructed them that they were not sent out to 
be taught, but to teach, and to be honest, open and frank, in 






FOREIGN MISSIONARY LABORS 275 

all intercourse with mankind. He closed his instructions . 
with the following words : 

"I will give you one of the keys of the mysteries of the 
kingdom. It is an eternal principle, that has existed with 
God from all eternity : That man who rises up to condemn 
others, finding fault with the Church, saying they are out of 
the way, while he himself is righteous, then know assuredly, 
that that man is in the high road to apostasy and if he does 
not repent will apostatize, as God lives. The principle is 
as correct as the one that Jesus put forth in saying that he 
who seeketh a sign is an adulterous person; and that prin- 
ciple is eternal, undeviating, and firm as the pillars of 
heaven ; for whenever you see a man seeking after a sign, 
you may set it down that he is an adulterous man." 

Items on Priesthood. — About this time he also in- 
structed the brethren on various matters of Priesthood,, 
from which the following excerpts are taken: 

"The Priesthood was first given to Adam; he obtained 
the First Presidency, and held the keys of it from generation 
to generation. He obtained it in the creation, before the 
world was formed. * * * He is Michael the Archangel, 
spoken of in the scriptures. Then to Noah, who is Gabriel ; 
he stands next in authority to Adam in the Priesthood : he 
was called of God to this office, and was the father of all 
living in his day, and to him was given the dominion. These 
men held keys first on earth, and then in heaven. 

"The Priesthood is an everlasting principle, and existed 
with God from eternity, and will to eternity, without be- 
ginning of days or end of years. The keys have to be 
brought from heaven whenever the Gospel is sent. When 
they are revealed from heaven, it is by Adam's authority. 

"Daniel in his seventh chapter speaks of the Ancient of 
Days ; he means the oldest man, our father, Adam, Michael ; 
he will call his children together and hold a council with 
them to prepare them for the coming of the Son of Man. 
He (Adam) is the father of the human family, and presides 
over the spirits of all men and all that have had the keys 
must stand before him in this grand council. This may 
take place before some of us leave this stage of action. The 



276 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

( Son of Man stands before him, and there is given him glory 
and dominion. Adam, delivers up his stewardship to Christ, 
that which was delivered to him as holding the keys of the 
universe, but retains his standing as head of the human 
family. * * *. 

"The keys were first given to him and by him to others.; 
He will have to give an account of his stewardship, and they 
to him. :>/ .. 

"The Priesthood is everlasting. The Savior, Moses, and 
Elias, gave the keys to Peter, James and John, on the 
mount, when they were transfigured before him. * * * 

"Christ is the Great High Priest, Adam next." a 

Epistle of the Twelve. — After receiving their charge 
from the First Presidency, before their departure for their 
fields of labor, the members of the council of the twelve, 
wrote an epistle to the elders of the Church, the churches 
scattered abroad, and all the Saints, giving them instruction 
and encouragement in their afflictions. To the Saints the) 
said : 

"We wish to stimulate all the brethren to faithfulness ; 
you have been tried, you are now being tried ; and those 
trials, if you are not watchful, will corrode the minds, and 
produce unpleasant feelings ; but recollect that now is the 
time of trial ; soon the victory will be ours. Now may be a 
day of lamentation — then will be a day of rejoicing. Now 
may be a day of sorrow — but by and by we shall see the 
Lord; our sorrow will be turned into joy, and our joy no 
man taketh from us." 

To the elders they said : 

"God has called you to an important office. He has 
laid upon you an onerous duty. He has called you to an 
holy calling, even to be the priests of the Most High God, 
messengers to the nations of the earth; and upon your dili- 
gence, your perseverance and faithfulness, the soundness of 
the doctrines which you preach, the moral precepts that you 
advance and practice, and upon the sound principles that you 
inculcate, while you hold that Priesthood, hang the destinies 



^Documentary History '; of the Church, Vol. 3:385-8, 



FOREIGN MISSIONARY LABORS 277 

of the human family. You are the men that God has called 
to spread forth his kingdom. He has committed the care of 
souls to your charge, and when you received this Priest- 
hood, you became the legates of heaven ; and the Great God 
demands it of you, that you should be faithful; and inas- 
much as you are not, you will not be chosen; but it will be 
said unto you, 'Stand by and let a more honorable man than 
thou art take thy place and receive thy crown/ ,: 

The Missionaries Depart. — At a meeting held in 
Commerce, Sunday, July 7, 1839, Elders Brigham Young, 
John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff and Orson 
Hyde, made their farewell remarks before their departure 
on their foreign mission. The following day Elders Taylor 
and Woodruff took up their journey toward their field of 
labor. Sunday, July 28, Elder Parley P. Pratt, who had 
arrived in Commerce on the 10th from his long confinement 
in Missouri prisons, made his farewell talk; so also did his 
brother Orson, who had assisted Parley in his escape, 
August 29, Elders Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt and Hiram 
Clark left Commerce on their missionary journey, and they 
were followed September 18, by President Brigham Young 
and Elder Heber C. Kimball. Elders George A. Smith, 
Reuben Hedlock and Theodore Turley, left three days later. 
William Smith, of the council of the twelve, failed to go. 
Willard Richards, not yet ordained an apostle, was in Eng- 
land where he had remained since the opening of the mis- 
sion. Elders Orson Hyde and John E. Page were snortly 
afterwards set apart for a mission to Palestine to dedicate 
the land for the return of the Jews, and there was one va- 
cancy in the council caused by the death of David W. Pat- 
ten, which was not filled until April, 1841, when Lyman 
Wight was chosen. 

Circumstances under which these brethren departed were 
extremely distressing, as may be well imagined. Elder 
Heber C. Kimball thus reports the departure of President 
Brigham Young and himself on their missionary journey : 

"September 14, President Brigham Young left his home 



278 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

at Montrose to start on the mission to England. He was so 
sick that he was unable to go to the Mississippi, a distance ot 
thirty rods, without assistance. After he had crossed the 
river he rode behind Israel Barlow on his horse to my house, 
where he continued sick until the 18th. He left his wife 
sick with a babe only three weeks old, and all his other chil- 
dren were sick and unable to wait upon each other. Not 
one soul of them was able to go to the well for a pail of 
water, and they were without a second suit to their backs, 
for the mob in Missouri had taken nearly all he had. On the 
17th Sister Mary Ann Young got a boy to carry her up in 
his wagon to my house, that she might nurse and comfort 
Brother Brigham to the hour of starting. 

"September 18, Charles Hubbard sent his boy with a 
wagon and a span of horses to my house; our trunks were 
put into the wagon by some brethren; I went to my bed 
and shook hands with my wife who was then shaking with 
a chill, having two children lying sick by her side; I em- 
braced her and my children, and bade them farewell. My 
only well child was little Heber P., and it was with dif- 
ficulty he could carry a couple of quarts of water at a time, 
to assist in quenching their thirst. 

"It was with difficulty we got into the wagon, and start- 
ed down the hill about ten rods ; it appeared to me as though 
my very inmost parts would melt within me at leaving my 
family in such a condition, as it were almost in the arms of 
death. I felt as though I could not endure it. I asked the 
teamster to stop, and said to Brother Brigham, 'This is 
pretty tough, isn't it; let's rise up and give them a cheer.' 
We arose, and swinging our hats three times over our heads, 
shouted: 'Hurrah, Hurrah for Israel.' Vilate, hearing the 
noise, arose from her bed and came to the door. She had a 
smile on her face. Vilate and Mary Ann Young cried out 
to us : 'Goodby, God bless you.' We returned the compli- 
ment, and then told the driver to go ahead. After this I 
felt a spirit of joy and gratitude, having had the satisfac- 
tion of seeing my wife standing upon her feet, instead of 
leaving her in bed, knowing well that I should not see them 
again for two or three years" ("Life of Heber C. Kimball" 
p. 275). 

The conditions of some of the other brethren were little 



FOREIGN MISSIONARY LABORS 27'*) 

better. Elders George A. Smith and companions upset 
their wagons in the soft ground before they got out of sight 
of the village of Commerce, and Elders Smith and Turley 
were so weak they could not get up, and Brother Hedlock 
had to lift them into the wagon again. Soon after, as they 
were on their way, some gentlemen passing them asked who 
had been robbing the burying ground ; so miserable did they 
appear.^ 7 After passing through many hardships, traveling 
without purse or scrip, the Lord coming to their assistance 



^Another incident worthy to relate is the following state- 
ment by Elder Wilford Woodruff: 

"Inasmuch as the devil had been thwarted in a measure by 
the twelve going to Far West and returning without harm, it 
seemed as though the destroyer was determined to make some 
other attempt upon us to hinder us from performing our mis- 
sions; for as soon as any one of the apostles began to prepare 
for starting he was smitten with chills and fever, or sickness 
of some kind. * * * 

"On the 25th of July, I was attacked with chills and fever, 
for the first time in my life; this I had every other day, and 
whenever attacked I was laid prostrate. My wife, Phoebe, was 
also taken down with the chills and fever, as were quite a 
number of the twelve. * * * 

"Although feeble, I walked to the banks of the Mississippi 
River; there President Young took me in a canoe and paddled 
me across the river. When we landed, I lay down on a side 
of sole leather,, by the postoffice, to rest. Brother Joseph, the 
Prophet of God, came along and looked at me. 'Well, Brother 
Woodruff,' said he, 'you have started upon your mission.' 
'Yes,' said I, 'but I feel and look more like a subject for the 
dissecting room than a missionary.' Joseph replied: 'What did 
you say that for? Get up, and go along; all will be right with 
you. * * * ' 

"Soon a brother came along v/ith a wagon, and took us 
(Elders Taylor and Woodruff) in. As we were driving through 
the place, we came to Parley P. Pratt, who was stripped to 
his shirt and pants, with his head and feet bare. He was hew- 
ing a log, preparatory to building a cabin. He said: 'Brother 
Woodruff, I have no money, but I have an empty purse, 
which I will give you. He brought it to me, and I thanked him 
for it. We went a few rods further and met Brother Heber C. 
Kimball,, in the same condition, also hewing a log to build 
a cabin. He said: 'As Parley has given you a purse, I have got 
a dollar I will give you to put in it.' He gave me both a dollar 
and a blessing." ("Wilford Woodruff — His Life and Labors" 
p. 108). 



280 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

many times in a miraculous way, these brethren finally 
reached their destination. Elders John Taylor, Wilford 
Woodruff and Theodore Turley arrived in Liverpool, Jan- 
uary 11, 1840, and were followed by President Brigham 
Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, 
George A. Smith and Reuben Hedlock, who arrived April 
6, after a stormy passage of twenty-eight days. At the time 
of sailing, President Young and Elder Kimball were stiil 
in poor health, and Elder George A. Smith was suffering 
extremely with ague. It was impossible for the brethren 
journeying on this mission to go together in a body, and in- 
advisable. Due to sickness they were detained many days, 
yet they pursued their course as rapidly as circumstances 
would permit. As President Young and party left the New 
York harbor, the shore resounded by the voices of the as- 
sembled Saints who had come to bid them farewell on their 
journey. They unitedly sang: "The Gallant Ship is under 
Weigh," composed by Elder William W. Phelps. 

Ordination of Willard Richards. — The first council 
meeting of the apostles on foreign soil was held in Preston, 
England, April 14, 1840, at the house of Elder Willard 
Richards, who on this occasion was ordained to the apostle- 
ship by President Brigham Young, and under the hands of 
all the brethren of the council who were present. Other 
business was transacted and the brethren assigned to fields 
of labor. On this occasion Brigham Young was also unani- 
mously sustained by the brethren of the twelve as the presi- 
dent of that council. There were present: President Brig- 
ham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson 
Pratt, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith 
and Willard Richards. 

The Millennial Star. — A general conference of all the 
Saints in the British Isles was held in Preston the follow- 
ing day, April 15, 1840, at which there were present, or 
represented, the following : elders, 36 ; priests, 45 ; teach- 
ers, 36; deacons, 11; members, 1686, all contained in 34 
branches, which had been raised up since the opening of 



FOREIGX MISSIONARY LABORS 281 

that mission by Elder Kimball and companions in 1837. At 
this conference it was decided to publish a hymn book, 
and a monthly periodical under the direction and 
superintendency of the twelve, for the benefit and in- 
formation of the members of the Church. The next day, in a 
council meeting of the apostles, Parley P. Pratt was chosen 
to edit the monthly periodical which was to be called ''The 
Latter-day Saints Millennial Star/' which soon made its ap- 
pearance and has been issued continuously ever since. The 
committee selected to prepare for printing a book of hymns 
was Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt and John Taylor. 

British Copyright of the Book of Mormon. — It was 
also decided, agreeable to the counsel of the First Presidency 
previously obtained, that copyright of the Book of Mor- 
mon and of the Doctrine and Covenants be secured in Eng- 
land : and that editions of these books be printed. The first 
number of the Millennial Star was issued in Manchester, in 
pamphlet form of twenty-four pages, Wednesday, [May 27. 
1840. Later the place of publication was transferred to 
Liverpool, which became the headquarters for most of the 
publications of the Church, until comparatively recent years. 

The First Patriarch in England. — Under the labors 
of the twelve and their missionary companions, branches 
of the Church had sprung up in various parts of England, 
and the population of the Church was now growing rapidly. 
At another council meeting of the twelve, held April 16, 
1840, it was decided that a patriarch be ordained, and the 
honor fell to the lot of Elder Peter Melling. a most worthy 
man, who was ordained in Preston the following day. Early 
in 1841, John Albiston was also ordained to this sacred 
calling. 

Individual Labors of the Twelve. — Elders John Tay- 
lor. Wilford Woodruff and Theodore Turley, the first of 
the missionaries to arrive in England, met in a special coun- 
cil Friday. January 17. 1840, with Joseph Fielding and Wil- 
lard Richards of the presidency of the British Mission, and 
decided on their fields of labor. It was agreed that Elders 



282 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Taylor and Fielding should go to Liverpool ; Elder Hiram 
Clark, to Manchester, with Elder William Clayton ; and 
Brother Richards to labor where the Spirit should direct. 
In Liverpool Elders Taylor and Fielding raised up a branch 
of about thirty members before the arrival from America of 
the other brethren of the twelve. This number rapidly 
increased and at the beginning of the year 1841, numbered 
more than two hundred souls. In March, 1842, the head- 
quarters of the mission were transferred to Liverpool. 

In Herefordshire. — In the Potteries of Staffordshire, 
Elders Woodruff and Turley found a fruitful field. Elder 
Woodruff labored in Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Lane End 
and the Potteries from the 22nd of January, 1840, to the 
2nd of March, preaching every night in the week, and two 
or three times on the Sabbath day, and the people flocked 
to hear his words and many were baptized. While preach- 
ing on the Sabbath, March 1, which was the anniversary of 
"his birth, the Lord manifested to him that he was to leave 
that part of the country and go to the south. Acting on the 
impression from the Spirit, he left on the 3rd of March and 
contiued his journey to the farming communities of Here- 
fordshire and stopped at the home of Mr. John Benbow, at 
Castle Frome, Ledbury. Mr. Benbow was a wealthy farmer, 
cultivating some three hundred acres of land. Elder Wood- 
ruff presented himself to this gentleman as a missionary 
from America and an elder of the Church of Jesus Christ 
of Latter-day Saints, who had been sent to preach the Gos- 
pel to him and his household and all the inhabitants of the 
land. Mr. Benbow rejoiced in the statements of Elder 
Woodruff, and informed him that there were in that place 
six hundred persons and more, who had broken off 
from the Methodists and had taken the name of "United 
Brethren." They had forty-five preachers and a number 
of meeting houses that were duly licensed according to the 
law of the land. They were searching for light and truth. 
Losing no time, on the morning of the 5th, Brother Wood- 
ruff stated he would like to begin his labors by preaching 



FOREIGN MISSIONARY LABORS 2SS 

to the people. There was a large hall in the mansion of Mr. 
Benbow, which was available for that purpose, and the 
people were invited to come and hear the new message, 
from the new world across the sea. The people of the 
neighborhood deserted their ministers and came to hear this 
strange preacher, who, in the course of a short time, bap- 
tized over six hundred persons in that place. At the meeting 
held on March 8, a constable, sent through complaint of 
the parish rector, came to arrest him for "preaching to the 
people." Elder Woodruff said he had a license to preach 
as well as the rector, and if the constable would take a 
chair and sit beside him until the close of the meeting he 
would be at his service. He then launched forth on a dis- 
course treating the first principles of the Gospel, and at 
the close of the meeting opened the door for baptism, and 
several came forward to be baptized; among the number 
were four preachers and the constable, who said, "Mr. 
Woodruff, I would like to be baptized." The constable 
went to the rector and told him that if he wanted Mr. Wood- 
ruff arrested, he must go himself and serve the writ, for 
he had heard him preach the only true Gospel sermon he 
had ever heard. The rector then sent two clerks of the 
Church of England as spies, and they were both baptized. 
The ministers and rectors of the Church of England then 
sent a petition to the Archbishop of Canterbury, to request 
Parliament to pass a law prohibiting the "Mormons" from 
preaching in the British nation, stating that they had bap- 
tized fifteen hundred persons, many of whom were mem- 
bers of the Church of England. But the Archbishop, know- 
ing well that the laws of England permitted religious free- 
dom, replied that the petitioners, if they had the worth of 
souls at heart as much as they valued ground where hares, 
foxes and hounds ran, they would not lose so many of their 
flock. 

The other brethren also met with remarkable success. 
The field was ripe, ready for the harvest, and thousands of 
the house of Israel were soon gathered into the fold. At a 



284 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

conference of the Church in the British Isles held in Octo- 
ber, 1840, there was reported a Church membership of 
about 4,000 souls, and in the meantime a number had emi-. 
grated to the United States. 

The First Emigration to the United States. — In June, 
1840, a company of forty Saints sailed in the ship Britannia 
from Liverpool for New York, being the first Saints to 
leave England for Zion. 

The Mission to Palestine. — At the general confer- 
ence of the Church held in Nauvoo, Hancock County, 
April 6-8. 1840, Elder Orson Hyde, who had not departed 
for England with the other apostles, was appointed to take 
a mission to Palestine to dedicate there the land for the 
gathering of the Jews. Elder John E. Page, who had also 
tarried at home, was called to accompany him. While ad- 
dressing the congregation on the 6th, Elder Hyde remarked 
that it had been prophesied, some years before, that he had 
a great work to perform among the Jews; and that he had 
recently been moved by the Spirit of the Lord to visit that 
people, and gather all the information he could find re- 
specting their movements, hopes and aspirations, and com- 
municate them to the Church. He expressed the desire to 
visit the Jews in New York, London and Amsterdam, on 
.his way to the field of his appointment. It was moved and 
carried that he proceed at once on his mission and that El- 
der John E. Page be given proper credentials and accom- 
pany him. On the 15th of April, Elder Hyde left Nauvoo 
for Jerusalem. Working his way across the country to New 
York, he sailed, after some delays, for Liverpool, on his 
way to Palestine, Saturday, February 13, 1841. He trav- 
eled alone, as Elder John E. Page had failed to make the 
journey. 

Other Missionary Appointments. — Other missionary 
appointments to foreign fields were made in these early 
days. In July, 1840, William Barrett, a boy seventeen years 
of age, was ordained an elder by Elders George A. Smith 
and Alfred Cordon, in Hanley, Staffordshire, England, 



FOREIGN MISSIONARY LABORS 285 

and set apart to take a mission to Australia, to be the first 
missionary to that country. In August, following, Elder 
William Donaldson, of the British army, having been as- 
signed to the field in India, was also blessed and set apart 
to labor for the Church in that land. The following year, 
at the conference of the Church, Elder Harrison Sagers was 
called to go to Jamaica; Elder Joseph Ball, to South Amer- 
ica ; Elder Simeon Carter to Germany ; and Elder Arza 
Adams to Canada, where the Gospel had previously been 
preached. 

The Return of the Apostles. — On the 20th day of 
April, 1841, President Brigham Young and Elders Heber 
C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, 
George A. Smith and Willard Richards, with a company of 
Saints left Liverpool on the ship Rochester, for New York. 
Parley P. Pratt continued in England to edit the Millennial 
Star and preside over the mission. After a period of one 
month upon the water they arrived safely in New York, 
and continuing their journey arrived in Nauvoo, July 1, 
1841. Some eighteen or twenty months before, these breth- 
ren had left Nauvoo, poverty-stricken, afflicted and sorrow- 
ful of heart. Now they returned rejoicing and with glad- 
ness of heart, bearing the fruit of their labors. They started 
on their way without money, and returned with none. Yet, 
during their labors abroad, they had published an edition 
of five thousand copies of the Book of Mormon; and an 
edition of three thousand copies of the Hymn Book; over 
fifty thousand tracts and pamphlets; had established a 
permanent magazine, the Millennial Star; organized an 
emigration agency for the gathering of the Saints to Zion, 
and had been instrumental in the hands of the Lord in bring- 
ing thousands of the children of the House of Israel to a 
knowledge of the everlasting Gospel. Truly it was a 
marvelous work, worthy of all commendation. 

The Prophet's Comments. — Commenting on the la- 
bors of these members of the council of the apostles, the 
Prophet said: 



286 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

"All the quorum of the Twelve Apostles who were ex- 
pected here this season, with the exception of Elders Wil- 
lard Richards and Wilford Woodruff, have arrived. We 
have listened to the accounts which they give of their 
success, and the prosperity of the work of the Lord in 
Great Britain with pleasure. They certainly have been the 
instruments in the hands of God of accomplishing much, and 
must have the satisfaction of knowing that they have done 
their duty. Perhaps no men ever undertook such an im- 
portant mission under such peculiarly distressing and un- 
propitious circumstances. Most of them when they left 
this place, nearly two years ago, were worn down with sick- 
ness and disease, or were taken sick on the road. Several of 
their families were also afflicted and needed their aid and 
support. But, knowing that they had been called by the God 
of Heaven to preach the Gospel to other nations, they con- 
ferred not with flesh and blood, but obedient to the heavenly 
mandate, without purse or scrip, they commenced a journey 
of five thousand miles entirely dependent on the providence 
of that God who had called them to such a holy calling. 
While journeying to the seaboard they were brought into 
many trying circumstances; after a short recovery from 
severe sickness, they would be taken with a relapse, and have 
to stop among strangers, without money and without friends. 
Their lives were several times despaired of, and they have 
taken each other by the hand, expecting it would be the 
last time they should behold one another in the flesh. How- 
ever, notwithstanding their afflictions and trials, the Lord 
always interposed in their behalf, and did not suffer them 
to sink in the arms of death. Some way or other was made 
for their escape— friends rose up when they most needed 
them and relieved their necessities ; and thus they were 
enabled to pursue their journey and rejoice in the Holy One 
of Israel. They truly 'went forth weeping, bearing precious 
seed,' but have returned with rejoicing, bearing their sheaves 
with them" (Documentary History of the Church, Vol. 4: 
390). 



CHAPTER 29 

APPEAL TO WASHINGTON FOR REDRESS- 
FURTHER MISSOURI PERSECUTIONS 
1839—1840 

Importuning for Redress. — Having appealed in vain 
to the courts, the governor and the legislature of Missouri, 
the Saints now determined to "importune for redress and re- 
demption at the feet of the President." This course the Lord 
commanded them to take. It was his will that the national 
government should have the privilege of correcting the 
wrongs of the Latter-day Saints, or share in the responsi- 
bility of their persecutions, should they also turn a deaf ear 
to the appeal of thousands of citizens, who had been ban- 
ished from their homes. The Constitution guarantees that 
"the citizens of each state shall be entitled to all the privi- 
leges and immunities of citizens of the several states." This 
great privilege had been denied the Latter-day Saints by 
the officers of the State of Missouri. 

President Sidney Rigdon arrived in Ouincy, Illinois, 
after his release from prison, in March, 1839, and was at 
that time very zealous for the punishment of Missouri for 
the violation of the constitutional rights of the Saints while 
in that state. He devised a plan, on an elaborate scale, for 
the impeachment of Missouri before the other states and 
the general government. He proposed to have the governors 
of the several states present before their respective legis- 
lative bodies the matter of Missouri's abdication of republi- 
can government, and at the same time have presented to 
the President of the United States and Congress a petition 
for redress of the wrongs inflicted upon the Saints. Gov- 
ernor Carlin of Illinois encouraged him in this desire and 
promised to aid in the work. Governor Robert Lucas of 
Iowa also lent some assistance to the plan. The latter issued 
letters of introduction to President Martin Van Buren and 



«Doc. and Cov. 101:76-89. 



288 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTOR Y 

Governor Shannon of Ohio, conveying the information that 
President Rigdon expected to visit Washington as the rep- 
resentative of the "Mormon" people to seek an investigation 
into the causes for the expulsion of the Saints from 
Missouri. However, nothing came of this rather impractical 
plan. 

The Prophet's Appeal to the People. — About this 
same time (April, 1839) the Prophet made an appeal j to 
the citizens of the United States in the following language'; 

"I ask the citizens of this Republic whether such a state 
of things is to be suffered to pass unnoticed, and the.- 
hearts of widows, orphans, and patriots to be broken, and 
their wrongs left without redress? No! I invoke the genius 
of our Constitution. I appeal to the patriotism of Ameri- 
cans to stop this unlawful and unholy procedure ; and. 
pray that God may defend this nation from the dreadful 
effects of such outrages. 

"Is there no virtue in the body politic? Will not the. 
people rise up in their majesty, and with that promptitude 
and zeal which are so characteristic of them, discounte- 
nance such proceedings, by bringing the offenders to that 
punishment which they so richly deserve, and save the 
nation from that disgrace and ultimate ruin, which other- 
wise must inevitably fall upon it ?" & 

A Delegation Appointed to Visit Washington. — At a 
conference of the Church held in Quincy in May, 1839, Pres- 
ident Rigdon was formally appointed to carry the message 
of grievances to Washington, and Elder Lyman Wight was 
appointed to collect the necessary affidavits from those in- 
jured, to be presented at Washington. President Rigdon 1 
made no great effort to get away on this mission, and as 
time passed his ardor cooled and his desire to fill his 
appointment lessened. At the October Conference, held at 
Commerce, President Joseph Smith, who. had arrived in 
Illinois during the summer, and Judge Elias Higbee were 
also chosen to go to Washington as well as Sidney Rigdon, 
to importune for redress. On the 29th of October, these 

^Documentary History of the Church, Vol. 3, p. 332. 



APPEAL TO WASHINGTON 289 

three delegates left Commerce in a carriage driven by Orrin 
Porter Rockwell, with the intention of laying before Con- 
gress the grievances of the Saints while in Missouri. At 
Quincy they were joined by Dr. Robert D. Foster who 
accompanied them on their way to administer to Sidney 
Rigdon, who was ill. At Springfield Judge James Adams 
took the Prophet to his home and treated him with every 
consideration as though he had been his own son. After 
an eventful journey the Prophet and Judge Higbee ar- 
rived in Washington, November 28, 1839. They did con- 
siderable preaching on the way and were forced to leave 
Sidney Rigdon in Ohio because of his sickness; Orrin P. 
Rockwell and Dr. Robert D. Foster remained with him. 

Interview with the President. — The first step taken 
by the Prophet and Judge Higbee after securing a board- 
ing place was to call on the President of the United' 
States, Martin Van Buren. This was the following day, 
November 29. They proceeded to the house of the Pres- 
ident, which they state they found to be a very large and 
splendid palace, decorated with all the fineries and ele- 
gance of this world. After some preliminary arrange- 
ments they were ushered into the presence of Mr. Van 
Buren. They handed him some of their letters of intro- 
duction which stated the object of their visit and as 
soon as the President read one of them, he looked up with 
a frown and said: "What can I do? I can do nothing 
for you ! If I do anything, I shall come in contact with 
the whole state of Missouri." The delegates were not to 
be denied a hearing without some effort, so they pressed the 
matter of their case with considerable vigor. The result 
was that President Van Buren promised to reconsider what 
he had said, and expressed deep sympathy with the Saints 
on account of their suffering. 

The Petition before Congress. — Following the inter- 
view with the President the brethren spent some time 
hunting up senators and representatives with whom they 
might converse and receive a hearing. They found the 

20 



290 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

delegation from Illinois friendly, and were able to make 
a number of friends among the honorable gentlemen in 
Washington. A meeting was held with the congressional 
delegation from Illinois, for the purpose of considering 
the best means for getting their business before Congress. 
Mr. Robinson, of the delegation, offered some opposition 
against the Saints presenting any claims against Missouri 
to he liquidated by the United States, on the ground that 
the Saints should make their appeal to the judiciary of 
Missouri and the state officials, where the wrongs were 
committed. The Prophet opposed such a stand with great 
vigor, explaining that every effort had already been made 
to get the governor of Missouri and the courts to con- 
sider their claims, but without result. Mr. Robinson then 
said this was his first impression of the matter, but he 
would take it under consideration. The following day 
another meeting was held and it was decided that a peti- 
tion should be drawn up to be presented to Congress, and 
Senator Richard M. Young, of Illinois, promised to pre- 
sent it in the United States Senate. They were advised 
that all facts presented should be authenticated by affi- 
davits, so word was sent to the Saints in Illinois to pre- 
pare immediately such necessary information as would be 
required.* 7 The petition was duly presented to the judiciary 
committee. It covered the outrages against the members 
of the Church from the expulsion from Jackson County, 
in 1833, to the banishment from the state in 1838-39. The 
dastardly course of Governor Boggs in aiding the ene- 
mies of the Saints and his exterminating order received 
proper consideration. The concluding paragraphs of this 
petition are as follows: 

"For these wrongs, the 'Mormons' ought to have some 
redress: yet how and where shall they seek and obtain 
it? Your constitution guarantees to every citizen, even the 

<The Saints' petition to Congress is found on pages 24-38 
of the Documentary History of the Church, Vol. 4. The af- 
fidavits are also found in the same volume pages 52-73. These 
should be carefully considered. 



APPEAL TO WASHINGTON 291 

humblest, the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property. It 
promises to all, religious freedom, the right to all to wor- 
ship God beneath their own vine and fig tree, according 
to the dictates of their conscience. It guarantees to all 
the citizens of the several states the right to become cit- 
izens of any one of the states, and to enjoy all the rights 
and immunities of the citizens of the state of his adoption. 
Yet of all these rights have the 'Mormons' been deprived. 
They have, without a cause, without a trial, been deprived 
of life, liberty and property. They have been persecuted 
for their religious opinions. They have been driven from 
the state of Missouri, at the point of the bayonet, and pre- 
vented from enjoying and exercising the rights of citizens 
of the state of Missouri. It is the theory of our laws, 
that for the protection of every legal right, there is pro- 
vided a legal remedy. What then, we would respectfully 
ask, is the remedy of the 'Mormons?' Shall they apply 
to the legislature of the state of Missouri for redress? 
They have done so. They have petitioned, and these peti- 
tions have been treated with silence and contempt. Shall 
they apply to the federal courts ? They were, at the time of 
the injury, citizens of the state of Missouri. Shall they apply 
to the court of the state of Missouri ? Whom shall they sue ? 
The order for their destruction, then extermination, was 
granted by the executive of the state of Missouri. Is not 
this a plea of justification for the loss of individuals, done in 
pursuance of that order? If not, before whom shall the 
'Mormons' institute a trial? Shall they summon a jury of the 
individuals who composed the mob? An appeal to them 
were in vain. They dare not go to Missouri to institute a 
suit ; their lives would be in danger. 

"For ourselves we see no redress, unless it is awarded 
by the Congress of the United States. And here we make 
our appeal as American Citizens, as Christians, and as Men 
— believing that the high sense of justice which exists in 
your honorable body, will not allow such oppression to be 
practiced upon any portion of the citizens of this vast re- 
public with impunity; but that some measures which your 
wisdom may dictate, may be taken, so that the great body 
of people who have :been thus abused, may have redress 
for the wrongs which they have suffered. And to your de- 



292 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTOR Y 

cision they look with confidence; hoping it may be such 
as shall tend to dry up the tears of the widow and orphan, 
and again place in situations of peace, those who have been 
driven from their homes, and have had to wade through 
scenes of sorrow and distress. 

"And your Memorialists, as in duty bound, will ever 
pray." 

The Prophet's Interview with President Van Buren. 

— While the Prophet was waiting for the action of Con- 
gress, he visited several branches of the Church in Penn- 
sylvania, New Jersey and other parts, returning to Wash- 
ington the fore part of February. During this time he had 
another interview with President Martin Van Buren and 
one with John C. Calhoun, and he records the following 
in his journal: 

"During my stay I had an interview with Martin Van 
Buren, the President, who treated me very insolently, and it 
was with great reluctance he listened to our message, which, 
when he had heard, he said : 'Gentlemen, your cause is just, 
but I can do nothing for you ;' and 'If I take up for you I 
shall lose the vote of Missouri/ His whole course went to 
show that he was an office-seeker, that self-aggrandizement 
was his ruling passion, and that justice and righteousness 
were no part of his composition. I found him such a man 
as I could not conscientiously support at the head of our 
noble Republic. I also had an interview with Mr. John C. 
Calhoun, whose conduct towards me very ill became his 
station. I became satisfied there was little use for me to 
tarry, to press the just claims of the Saints on the consid- 
eration of the President and Congress, and stayed but a 
few days, taking passage in company with Porter Rockwell 
and Dr. Foster on the railroad and stages back to Dayton, 
Ohio" (Documentary History of the Church, Vol. 4:80). 

The Action of Congress. — Judge Elias Higbee re- 
mained in Washington during the time the petition was 
before Congress. He met on several occasions with the 
judiciary committee, which had the matter in hand. The 
members from Missouri offered considerable opposition, 
as naturally might be supposed, to the charges made against 



{ 



APPEAL TO WASHINGTON 293 

the officials of that state. They did all in their power to 
prevent any consideration of the petition. Many false state- 
ments and charges were made which Judge Higbee was able 
to refute. On the 26th of February, he wrote the Prophet 
as follows : "I am just informed by General Wall (the chair- 
man of the committee), before whom, or to whom, our 
business is referred, that the decision is against us, or in 
other words unfavorable, that they believe redress can only 
be had in Missouri, the courts and the legislature." On 
the 4th of March, 1840, President Joseph Smith arrived in 
Nauvoo. The same day the senate committee made its re- 
port. After setting forth some of the items in the petition 
the committee said : 

"The petition is drawn up at great length, and sets forth, 
with feeling and eloquence, the wrongs of which they com- 
plain; justifies their own conduct, and aggravates that of 
those whom they call their persecutors, and concludes by say- 
ing they see no redress, unless it be obtained of the Congress 
of the United States, to whom they make their solemn, last 
appeal, as American citizens, as Christians, *uid as men; to 
which decision they say they will submit. 

"The committee have examined the case presented by 
the petition, and heard the views urged by their agent, with 
care and attention; and after full examination and consid- 
eration, unanimously concur in the opinion — 

"That the case presented for their investigation is not 
such a one as will justify or authorize any interposition by 
this government. 

"The wrongs complained of are not alleged to be com- 
mitted by any of the officers of the United States, or under 
the authority of its government in any manner whatever. 
The allegations in the petition relate to the acts of its citi- 
zens, and inhabitants and authorities of the State of Mis- 
souri, of which state the petitioners were at the time citizens, 
or inhabitants. 

"The grievances complained of in the petition are al- 
leged to have been done within the territory of the State of 
Missouri. The committee, under these circumstances, have 
not considered themselves justified in inquiring into the 



294 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

truth or falsehood of the facts charged in the petition. If 
they are true, the petitioners must seek relief in the courts 
of judication of the State of Missouri, or of the United 
States, which has the appropriate jurisdiction to administer 
full and adequate redress for the wrongs complained of, and 
doubtless will do so fairly and impartially; or the petition- 
ers may, if they see proper, apply to the justice and mag- 
nanimity of the State of Missouri — an appeal which the 
committee feel justified in believing will never be made in 
vain by the injured or oppressed. 

"It can never be presumed that a state either wants the 
power or lacks the disposition to redress the wrongs of its 
own citizens, committed within her own territory, whether 
they proceed from the lawless acts of her officers or of any 
other persons. The committee therefore report that they 
recommend the passage of the following resolution: 

"Resolved, That the committee on the judiciary be dis- 
charged from further consideration of the memorial in this 
case ; and that the memorialists have leave to withdraw the 
papers which accompany their memorial" (Documentary 
History of the Church, Vol. 4:90-2). 

Compliance with the Word of the Lord. — The Sen- 
ate, of course, adopted this resolution, and this brought to 
an end the appeal of the Latter-day Saints for redress of 
their wrongs while in Missouri,** The Saints had the sat- 
isfaction of knowing they had complied with the command 
of the Lord, wherein he instructed them to appeal for re- 
dress, first at the feet of the judge, then the governor and 
then the President of the United States. The matter was now 
to be left in the hand of the Great Judge who had promised, 
under the circumstances as they had developed, to "come 
forth out of his hiding place, and in his fury vex the na- 
tion" (Doc, and Cov. 101:89). 

The Resolutions of the April Conference. — At the 

<*For the reason why the Saints did not accept the advice 
of the committee and appeal to the Federal Courts, see arti- 
cle by Elder B. H. Roberts, in the introduction to the Doc- 
umentary History of the Church, Vol. 4, under the caption: "The 
Appeal of the Church to the National Government for Redress of 
Wrongs Suffered in Missouri/' 



APPEAL TO WASHINGTON 295 

general conference of the Church held April 6-8, 1840, 
a set of resolutions were adopted approving of the labors of 
the Church committee who visited Washington, and con- 
demning the action of the senate in the rejection of the con- 
sideration of the wrongs of the Saints. Some of the items 
in which the resolutions disagree with the action of Congress 
are as follows: The failure to consider the petition was 
subversive to the rights of a free people, and justly called 
for the disapprobation of all the supporters and lovers of 
good government. The judiciary committee stated in their 
report, "that our memorial aggravates the case of our op- 
pressors," and at the same time they said they had "not 
examined into the truth or falsehood of the facts mentioned.' , 
This was deemed by the petitioners a great insult to their 
"good sense, better judgment and intelligence," when numer- 
ous affidavits were laid before the committee to prove that 
the Saints could go into the State of Missouri only in op- 
position to the exterminating order of the governor, and 
at the risk of their lives. Moreover, that exterminating 
order was before the committee for consideration, it was a 
direct infraction of the Constitution of the United States. 
The failure of the committee to investigate the actions of 
the governor and other officers of Missouri, was "turning 
a deaf ear to the cries of widows, orphans, and innocent 
blood, which had been shed," and was "no less than second- 
ing the proceedings of that murderous clan, whose deeds 
are recorded in heaven, and justly call down upon their heads 
the righteous judgments of an offended God." The thanks 
of the Saints were extended to Governors Lucas of Iowa, 
and Carlin of Illinois, for their sympathy and aid, also to 
the citizens of Illinois for their kind, liberal and generous 
conduct. The delegates were instructed to continue their 
endeavors to obtain redress, and the resolutions closed with 
the following appeal: "And if all hopes of obtaining sat- 
isfaction for the injuries done us be entirely blasted, that 
they (the delegates) then appeal our case to the Court of 
Heaven, believing that the Great Jehovah, who rules over 



296 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

the destiny of nations, and who notices the falling sparrows, 
will undoubtedly redress our wrongs, and ere long avenge 
us of our adversaries."* 

Return of the Prodigals. — At the general conference 
held in April, 1840, Frederick G. Williams, who had been 
excommunicated by the action of the conference of the 
Church at Quincy, March 17, 1839, along with Thomas B. 
Marsh, George M. Hinkle and others, presented himself 
on the stand, and humbly asked forgiveness for his conduct 
while in Missouri. He expressed his determination to do 
the will of the Lord in the future, for he had a knowledge 
of the divinity of the work. His case was presented to the 
people by President Hyrum Smith, and he was received 
back into fellowship by the unanimous vote of the confer- 
ence. From this time on he remained true to the Church 
and his brethren, until his death in Quincy October 10, 
1842. 

In the following June William W. Phelps wrote to the 
Prophet from Dayton, Ohio, confessing his sins and begging 
for reinstatement in the Church. "I am," said he, "as the 
prodigal son, though I never doubt or disbelieve the fulness 
of the Gospel. I have been greatly abused and humbled, 
and I blessed the God of Israel when I lately read your 
prophetic blessing on my head, as follows : 'The Lord will 
chasten him because he taketh honor to himself, and when 
his soul is greatly humbled he will forsake the evil. Then 
shall the light of the Lord break forth upon him as at noon- 
day and in him shall be no darkness/ I have seen the folly 
of my way, and I tremble at the gulf I have passed. So it 
is, and why I know not. I prayed, and God answered ; but 
what could I do? Says I, 'I will repent and live and ask 
my old brethren to forgive me, and though they chasten me 
to death, yet I will die with them, for their God is my God. 
* * * I have not walked along with my friends accord- 



*The day of retribution came, at least in part, during the 
Civil War. For this account see the Introduction of Docu- 
mentary History of the Church Vol. 3, under the caption, 
"Retribution," by B. H. Roberts. 



APPEAL TO WASHINGTON 297 

ing to my holy anointing. I ask forgiveness in the name of 
Jesus Christ of all the Saints, for I will do right, God help- 
ing me.' " 

The Prophet answered him saying his case had been 
presented to the Saints and an expression of their feelings 
was unanimously given that he should be received back into 
the Church. 

Death of Bishop Partridge. — Bishop Edward Part- 
ridge died Wednesday, May 27, 1840, in Nauvoo, in the 
forty-sixth year of his age. He was the first bishop of the 
Church, having been called to that position by revelation 
in 1831. He was born in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, 
August 27, 1793. His daughter Harriet Pamela, aged nine- 
teen years, preceded her father to the grave by eleven days. 
They were victims of the Missouri persecutions, and were 
among those who suffered privations and exposure in the 
mobbings and expulsion in the winter of 1838-9. Others 
who likewise laid down their lives about this time were 
John Young, father of President Brigham Young, Seymour 
Brunson and James Mulholland, the Prophet's secretary. 
Each of these brethren died shortly after the settlement of 
the Saints in Illinois. John Young was a veteran of the 
Revolution. He had been driven from his home in Mis- 
souri and died in his seventy-seventh year, a martyr to his 
religion, for his death was caused by his sufferings in the 
cruel persecution. Seymour Brunson, died August 10, 1840. 
He was a man of strong character, and had taken an active 
part in the Church almost from the beginning, serving in 
various councils. He it was who entered charges against 
Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer at the time of their 
excommunication. He died in his forty-first year and was 
at the time a member of the high council in the Nauvoo 
Stake. James Mulholland died in November, 1839, aged 
thirty-five years. He was a man of excellent education and 
was a faithful elder in the Church. 

Death of Patriarch Joseph Smith. — Another victim 
of Missouri persecution was the Patriarch Joseph Smith, 
who died in Nauvoo, September 14, 1840. He was the first 



298 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

person who received the Prophet's testimony after the ap- 
pearance of the angel, and was always true to the mission 
of his son. He moved to Kirtland in 1831, where he was 
ordained patriarch and an assistant counselor to the Prophet 
in the Presidency of the High Priesthood, December 18, 

1833. He served as a member of the first high council in 

1834. During the persecutions in Kirtland, in 1837, he was 
made a prisoner by the apostate enemies of the Church, but 
gained his liberty and made his way to Far West in 1838. 
From here he was again driven by enemies under the ex- 
terminating order of the infamous Lilburn W. Boggs. In 
midwinter he made his way to Quincy, and later in the 
spring of 1839, to Commerce, where he made his home. He 
was six feet two inches tall, and well proportioned. His 
ordinary weight was about two hundred pounds. He was 
a very strong, active man, but the exposure he suffered 
during the expulsion from Missouri, brought on con- 
sumption, from which he died. His funeral services were 
held September 15, 1840, Elder Robert B. Thompson de- 
livering the discourse. 

More Trouble from Missouri. — The action of Con- 
gress and the President of the United States, in refusing to 
consider the complaint, had its effect for evil on the Mis- 
sourians. Their hatred, great as it was against the Latter- 
day Saints, was augmented by the presentation of the peti- 
tion of the Saints to the general government. They seemed 
to chafe under the exposures to the world of their evil deeds. 
The action of Congress also made them bold in their desire 
to continue their persecutions of the Saints. If the Presi- 
dent of the United States could refuse to give ear to the 
appeal of the thousands who had been so wilfully and 
maliciously wronged; and if Congress could advise that 
the proper place for redress was back in Missouri, and that, 
too, at the hands of the very officials who had so wickedly 
and unconstitutionally expelled, robbed, and murdered the 
Saints, what was there for Missourians to fear? Was not 
this evidence that the "Mormons," everywhere hated, were 



APPEAL TO WASHINGTON 299 

the common prey of their mortal enemies? It is true they 
had driven the Saints to the confines of another state, but 
it was a matter of little moment to cross that border and 
drag them back again for further abuse. Especially so, if 
they could enter into collusion with the officers of the 
other states which they hoped to do, and which they did. 

Kidnapping of Alanson Brown and Others. — On the 
7th day of July, 1840, Alanson Brown, Benjamin Boyce, 
Noah Rodgers and James Allred, were surrounded by an 
armed force of mobbers, in Hancock County, Illinois, who 
asked them if they were "Mormons." When they said 
they were, the mobbers with many vile oaths declared that 
they were sworn to kill "all the damned 'Mormons' that 
they could find." The brethren were forced across the 
river to a small town in Lewis County, Missouri, called 
Tully, where they were kept under guard until about eleven 
o'clock at night. Then Alanson Brown and Benjamin Boyce 
were taken out to the woods with ropes around their necks. 
Boyce inquired what they intended to do and was answerer! 
by the mobbers that they were going to kill them and "make 
catfish bait" of them. The two brethren were then sep- 
arated. Boyce was stripped and tied to a tree and whipped 
with gads until his body was mangled from his shoulders 
to his knees. In the meantime Brown had been hung by 
the neck until life appeared to be gone, then the ruffians 
cut him down, revived him, and returned to Tully with them 
both. They then placed ropes on the necks of Allred and 
Rodgers and took them out to the woods, where they strip- 
ped them of their clothing and made many threats against 
their lives. Rodgers was badly beaten, as Boyce had been, 
but for some reason the fiends refrained from whipping 
Allred. These brethren were then returned to Tully and 
confined in the same room with the other two brethren. 
Brown and Allred were liberated some days later, but Boyce 
and Rodgers were confined in irons until the 21st day of 
August, when, through the blessings of the Lord, they made 
their escape. 



300 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Memorial to Governor Carlin. — A mass meeting of 
the citizens of Nauvoo was held July 13, 1840, at which a 
committee consisting of Isaac Galland, Robert B. Thompson, 
Sidney Rigdon and Daniel H. Wells, drew up resolutions 
of protest against the treatment accorded the four men who 
were kidnapped, which were adopted. The citizens then 
memorialized Governor Carlin, petitioning him to take steps 
to have released the four men who were then held prison- 
ers in Missouri, and have punished the perpetrators of the 
crime. Daniel H. Wells and George Miller waited upon 
the governor and laid the case before him. As they recited 
the story of the cruelties, the governor's wife, who was pres- 
ent, was moved to tears, and the governor promised to take 
the matter in hand. However, his friendship for the Saints 
had greatly cooled and no action was ever taken by Gov- 
ernor Carlin to release the prisoners, or to bring to justice 
the perpetrators of the crime. 

Missouri's Requisition for the Prophet. — The next 
move on the part of Missouri was a requisition made on 
Governor Carlin of Illinois, by Governor Lilburn W. Boggs, 
of Missouri, in September, 1840, for Joseph Smith, Sidney 
Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt, Caleb Baldwin and 
Alanson Brown, as fugitives from justice. This came after 
a silence of nearly two years, and was the outgrowth of the 
action taken by Congress. Governor Carlin complied with 
this unnatural, illegal and absurd request. When the sheriff 
came to serve his papers none of the brethren were found 
at home. Thus matters rested until the summer of 1841. 
On the 4th day of June, 1841, the Prophet called at the 
residence of Governor Carlin and had an interview with him 
and was treated very kindly. A few hours after his de- 
parture the governor sent the sheriff of Adams County, 
Thomas King, with a posse, and an officer from Missouri, 
to arrest him and deliver him up to the authorities of Mis- 
souri. They found the Prophet about twenty-eight miles 
south of Nauvoo. Some of the posse, on discovering the 
spirit of the officer from Missouri, returned to their homes 






APPEAL TO WASHINGTON 301 

in disgust. The party returned to Quincy where the Prophet 
obtained a writ of habeas corpus, and Judge Stephen A. 
Douglas, who providentially happened to be in Quincy, 
promised to give a hearing at Monmouth, Warren County, 
the following week. The news of the Prophet's arrest soon 
spread and a rescuing party was formed to prevent the 
Prophet being carried to Missouri, if that attempt should be 
made. He returned to Nauvoo in the custody of the sheriff, 
whom he entertained at his own house and waited on him, 
the sheriff being sick. June 7, Sheriff King and the 
Prophet, accompanied by a number of citizens from Nauvoo, 
left for Monmouth, seventy-five miles distant, where the 
trial commenced on the 9th, and concluded the following 
day. Attorney O. H. Browning, of the defense, made an 
eloquent plea closing his remarks in the following words: 

"Yes, my eyes have beheld the blood-stained traces of 
innocent women and children, in the dreary winter, who 
had traveled hundreds of miles barefoot, through frost and 
snow, to seek a refuge from their savage pursuers. 'Twas a 
scene of horror sufficient to enlist sympathy from an adam- 
antine heart. And shall this unfortunate man, whom their 
fury has seen proper to select for sacrifice, be driven into 
such a savage land and none dare to enlist in the cause of 
justice? If there was no other voice under heaven ever to 
be heard in this cause, gladly would I stand alone, and 
proudly spend my last breath in defense of an oppressed 
American citizen." 

The Decision of Judge Douglas. — Judge Douglas 
gave the following decision : That the writ, being once 
returned to the executive by the sheriff of Hancock County, 
was dead, and stood in the same relationship as any other 
writ which might issue from the circuit court, and conse- 
quently the defendant could not be held in custody on that 
writ. On the question whether or not evidence was admis- 
sible, he would not pass, but would take under advisement, 
but on the other point, the defendant must be dismissed. 
Once again the Prophet Joseph had been freed from the 
clutches of the inhuman officials of Missouri. 



CHAPTER 30 

THE NAUVOO TEMPLE AND ORDINANCES 

THEREIN— IMPORTANT EVENTS 

1840—1842 

The House of the Lord. — In the various gathering 
places of the Saints from the days of Kirtland the Lord 
commanded that temples to his name should be built. In 
Jackson County and Far West, they were prevented from 
building temples by their enemies, who drove them from their 
homes. At the conference of the Church held in October, 
1840, President Joseph Smith spoke of the necessity of build- 
ing a "house of the Lord" in Nauvoo. Reynolds Cahoon, 
Elias Higbee and Alpheus Cutler were appointed a committee 
to build such a house. On motion it was also resolved that a 
commencement be made ten days from that date (Oct. 3, 
1840) "and that every tenth day he appropriated for the 
building of the temple." Early in January, 1841, the First 
Presidency issued a proclamation to the Saints scattered 
abroad, in which they stated that "the temple of the Lord is 
in progress of erection here, where the Saints will come to 
worship the God of their fathers, according to the order of 
his house and the powers of the Holy Priesthood, and will be 
so constructed as to enable all the functions of the Priesthood 
to be duly exercised, and where instructions from the Most 
High will be received." 

The Revelation of January 19, 1841. — A very im- 
portant revelation was received January 19, 1841, dealing 
with various subjects, but particularly with the building of 
the temple and the ordinances to be performed therein. The 
Lord declared that the prayers of the Prophet were ac- 
ceptable to him, and he was called upon to make a solemn 
proclamation of the Gospel to "all the kings of the world, 
to the four corners thereof; to the honorable President- 
elect, and the high-minded governors of the nation * * * 
and to all the nations of the earth." It was to be written 



THE NAUWOO TEMPLE 303 

in the spirit of meekness, yet of warning, for he was "about 
to call on them to give heed to the light and glory of Zion, 
for the set time has come to favor her. The Lord would 
visit the mighty and the rulers of the earth in the day of 
his visitation. Therefore, said he, "Awake, O kings of the 
earth* ! Come ye, O, come ye, with your gold and your 
silver, to the help of my people, to the house of the daughters 
of Zion." 

The Saints to Come from Afar. — The Saints were 
also commanded to come from afar. Messengers were to 
be chosen and sent unto them saying: "Come ye, with all 
your gold, and your silver, and your precious stones, and 
with all your antiquities ; and with all who have knowl- 
edge of antiquities, that will come, may come, and bring 
the box tree, and the fir tree, and the pine tree, together 
with all the precious trees of the earth ; and with iron, with 
copper, and with brass, and with zinc, and your precious 
things of the earth, and build a house to my name for the 
Most High to dwell therein." 

Fulness of the Priesthood. — "For there is not a 
place," said the Lord, "found on earth where he may come 
and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he 
hath taken away, even the fulness of the Priesthood," which 
fulness can only be obtained in the house of the Lord. 

The Kirtland Temple and its Mission. — This dec- 
laration from the Lord would indicate that the purpose for 
which the Kirtland Temple was erected was now fulfilled, 
and its mission completed ; and this was indeed the case. The 
Kirtland Temple served temporarily only. It was built be- 
cause a house was necessary where the Lord could come 
and restore the various keys of former dispensations, that 
the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times might be made 
complete. In the Kirtland Temple the Lord gave a partial 
endowment, but not in the fulness, that the apostles and 
others might be endowed with necessary power to go forth 
"to prune the vineyard for the last time." But the great 
object was the restoration of the keys of former dispensa- 



304 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

tions. When these were bestowed, then greater light was, 
revealed, and the full purpose of temples and ordinance 
work therein was made known. It then became necessary 
that a house of the Lord should be built that would be per- 
fect in all its parts, which was not the case in the structure 
of the Kirtland Temple. That edifice, although one of the 
most important ever erected by the Church, was not a com- 
plete structure as temples are understood through increased 
revelation. In it there were no provisions for the salvation 
of the dead ; it had not a baptismal font — a fundamental part 
of the perfect temple — and therefore, since it had filled the 
measure of its creation, the Lord declared in the revelation 
of January, 1841, that there was not a house on the earth 
where he could come to bestow the fulness of the Priest- 
hood and introduce the essential ordinances for the salvation 
of both the living and the dead. Moroni, John the Baptist, 
Peter, James and John, all came before there was a temple ; 
but their coming was necessary that the foundation might 
be laid and the Church established. The Lord has made 
provision that in the sacred grove, the forest, and on the 
mountain top, such keys may be bestowed, when there is no 
temple erected to his name, and in the poverty of the people. 
Otherwise such keys are to be received only in the temple 
reared to his holy name. 

Baptism for the Dead. — The doctrine of baptism for 
the dead was first made known to the Saints in a discourse 
by the Prophet at the funeral of Elder Seymour Brunson, 
August 10, 1840. This doctrine was not understood by him 
until after the restoration of the keys and the Priesthood of 
Elijah in the Kirtland Temple, although it had been referred 
to since the night of the first appearance of Mioroni. In 
this revelation of January, 1841, the Lord revealed greater 
light regarding this wonderful principle. It was here made 
known that this ordinance was to be performed in the temple 
of the Lord. A baptismal font for this purpose was to be 
placed in the basement of the temple, "as a simile of the 
grave, and was commanded to be in a place underneath 



THE NAUVOO TEMPLE 305 

where the living are wont to assemble, to show forth the 
living and the dead ; and that all things may have their like- 
ness, and that they may accord one with another ; that which 
is earthly conforming to that which is heavenly" (Doc. and 
Cov. Sec. 128:13). 

In an epistle to the Twelve Apostles, who were at the 
time in Europe, President Joseph Smith, October 19, 1840, 
made the following statement : 

"I presume the doctrine of 'baptism for the dead' has 
ere this reached your ears, and may have raised some inquir- 
ies in your minds respecting the same. I cannot in this letter 
give you all the information you may desire on the subject; 
but aside from knowledge independent of the Bible, I would 
say that it was certainly practiced by the ancient churches; 
and St. Paul endeavors to prove the doctrine of the resur- 
rection from the same, and says, 'Else what shall they do 
which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? 
Why are they then baptized for the dead?' 

"I first mentioned the doctrine in public when preach- 
ing the funeral sermon of Brother Seymour Brunson; and 
have since then given general instructions in the Church 
on the subject. The Saints have the privilege of being bap- 
tized for those of their relatives who are dead, whom they 
believe would have embraced the Gospel, if they had been 
privileged with hearing it, and who have received the Gospel 
in the spirit, through the instrumentality of those who have 
been commissioned to preach to them while in prison." 

The Rite Performed in the River. — After this doc- 
trine was revealed the Lord granted the Saints the privi- 
lege of performing the ordinance of baptism for the dead 
in the Mississippi River, until such time as a font could 
be prepared in the basement of the temple. When a tem- 
porary font was prepared, and long before the temple was 
completed, this privilege of baptizing for the dead in any 
other place than the temple was discontinued by command- 
ment of the Lord. So important was this work in behalf 
of the salvation of the worthy dead, that the Lord declared 
that the living could not be made perfect without them, 

21 



306 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

and, when the opportunity presented itself, should the 
members of the Church fail to perform the ordinance for 
their dead, the Lord said he would reject them, for the 
dead were to be saved by the same principles which would 
save the living. 

Things Hid from the Foundation of the World — 
Not only was the ordinance of baptism for the dead to be 
performed in the temple, but the Lord promised to reveal 
many things "which have been kept hid from before the 
foundation of the world, things that pertain to the Dis- 
pensation of the Fulness of Times." Here the keys of the 
Holy Priesthood were to be received, for such were or- 
dained to be obtained in temples that the Saints may re- 
ceive honor and glory, both the living and, by proxy, the 
dead, even those blessings by which they should be crowned 
with honor, immortality and eternal life. 

The Nauvoo House. — Another house was also to be 
built in Nauvoo. This was the Nauvoo House, a place for 
the boarding of strangers. Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, 
Hyrum Smith, and many others were called upon to "pay 
stock" for themselves and their seed after them "from gen- 
eration to generation," in this house. It was to be a place 
where the "weary traveler may find health and safety while 
he shall contemplate the word of the Lord ; and the corner 
stone [stake] I have appointed for Zion," said the Lord. 
Those who took stock were not to pay less than fifty dol- 
lars, and not more than fifteen thousand dollars for any 
one man. 

The Calling of Hyrum Smith. — Another important 
commandment in this revelation was the appointment of 
Hyrum Smith, to act as patriarch in the office which had 
been held by his father, and also his ordination to be a 
"prophet, seer and revelator" unto the Church, as well as 
Joseph Smith. The Lord had pointed out several years 
before, when Joseph Smith, Sen., was called to be the pa- 
triarch of the Church, that this office was his by right of 
lineage, and descended from father to son, and was the right 



THE NAUVOO TEMPLE 30? 

based on faithfulness of the first born. At the time of 
Hyrum Smith's call, he was serving as second counselor in 
the First Presidency, a place he was called to occupy after 
the transgression of Frederick G. Williams. The revela- 
tion relating to this appointment reads as follows : 

"And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Wil- 
liam [Law] be appointed, ordained, and anointed, as a 
counselor unto my servant Joseph [Smith] in the room of 
my servant Hyrum, that my servant Hyrum may take the 
office of Priesthood and Patriarch, which was appointed 
unto him by his father, by blessing and also by right. 

"That from henceforth he shall hold the keys of the 
patriarchal blessing upon the heads of all my people ; 

"That whoever he blesses shall be blessed, and whoever 
he curses shall be cursed; that whatsoever he shall bind 
on earth shall be bound in heaven ; and whatsoever he shall 
loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 

"And from this time forth I appoint unto him that he 
may be a prophet, and a seer and a revelator unto my 
Church, as well as my servant Joseph. 

"That he may act in concert also with my servant Jo- 
seph, and that he shall receive counsel from my servant 
Joseph, who shall show unto him the keys whereby he may 
ask and receive, and be crowned with the same blessing, 
and glory, and honor, and Priesthood, and gifts of the 
Priesthood, that once were put upon him that was my 
servant Oliver Cowdery ; 

"That my servant Hyrum may bear record of the things 
which I shall show unto him, that his name may be had 
in honorable remembrance from generation to generation, 
forever and ever." 

Oliver Cowdery's Blessing Transferred to Hyrum 
Smith. — Oliver Cowdery, as we have learned, stood with 
the Prophet Joseph Smith in holding the keys of the king- 
dom. He was associated with Joseph Smith in all his ordi- 
nations and in the bestowal of keys from the heavens from 
the beginning. It was Oliver Cowdery, not Sidney Rigdon 
or Frederick G. Williams, who knelt with the Prophet 



308 



ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 




Joseph at the altar in 
the Kirtland Temple, 
April 3, 1836, when 
the Savior, Moses, 
Elias, Elijah, and per- 
haps other ancient 
prophets, came and con- 
ferred with them, be- 
stowing keys, Priest- 
hood and authority of 
former dispensations 
that all things might be 
complete and perfect in 
the Dispensation of the 
Fulness of Times- All 
these blessings Oliver 
Cowdery would have 
held throughout etern- 
ity, if he had remained 
faithful and true to his 
calling; but he fell away, and therefore the Lord bestowed 
these gifts, blessings, and powers of presidency, upon the 
head of Hyrum Smith, the faithful brother of the Prophet 
Joseph, of whom the Lord also said in this revelation: 
"And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant 
Hyrum Smith, for I, the Lord, love him because of the 
integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which 
is right before me." 

Sunday, January 24, 1841, Hyrum Smith received the 
ordination to these holy callings under the hands of Pres- 
ident Joseph Smith. On the same occasion George Miller 
was ordained a bishop in the place of Edward Partridge, 
deceased. 

Laying Corner Stones of the Temple. — April 6, 1841, 
which was the eleventh anniversary of the organization of 
the Church, the corner stones of the Nauvoo Temple were 
laid. Early in the morning fourteen companies of the Nau- 



NAUVOO TEMPLE 



THE NAUVOO TEMPLE 309 

voo Legion, and two military companies from across the 
river in Iowa, assembled and were conducted to the grounds 
assigned for the general review. During the forenoon, vari- 
ous military maneuvers were conducted. It was an im- 
pressive scene. At twelve o'clock the procession arrived 
at the temple grounds and the ceremonies of laying the 
corner stones were commenced. President Sidney Rigdon 
addressed the assembly at some length after which the 
architects, under the direction of the First Presidency, low- 
ered the south-east corner stone to its place, and the Prophet 
said: 

"This principal corner stone in representation of the 
First Presidency, is now duly laid in honor of the Great 
God: and may it there remain until the whole fabric is 
completed; and may the same be accomplished speedily; 
that the Saints may have a place to worship God, and the 
Son of Man have where to lay his head." 

Adjournment was taken for one hour and after the 
people reassembled the three other corner stones were 
laid in the following order : the south-west, the north- 
west and the north-east, after which the services were 
closed. 

Order of Temple Building. — The Prophet later gave 
instructions pertaining to the order of the laying of corner 
stones of temples as follows : 

"If the strict order of the Priesthood were carried out 
in the building of Temples, the first stone would be laid 
at the south-east corner, by the First Presidency of the 
Church. The south-west corner should be laid next; the 
third, or north-west corner, next ; and the fourth, or north- 
east corner, last. The First Presidency should lay the south- 
east corner stone and dictate who are the proper persons 
to lay the other corner stones. 

"If a temple is built at a distance, and the First Presi- 
dency are not present, then the quorum of the Twelve 
Apostles are the persons to dictate the order for that tem- 
ple; and in the absence of the Twelve Apostles, then the 
presidency of the stake will lay the south-east corner stone ; 



310 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

the Melchizedek Priesthood laying the corner stones on the 
east side of the temple, and the Lesser Priesthood those on 
the west side. ,, 

Baptisms in the River Discontinued. — At the con- 
ference of the Church held in Nauvoo, October 2nd to 
5th, 1841, the Prophet made this announcement: "There 
shall be no more baptisms for the dead, until the ordi- 
nance can be attended to in the Lord's House; and the 
Church shall not hold another General Conference, until 
they can meet in said house. For thus saith the Lord!" 
The reason for this announcement was that the temple 
had progressed so far that the font in the basement had 
been prepared for this ordinance, therefore, baptisms for 
the dead could no longer be performed in the river. 

Dedication of the Font in the Temple. — One month 
later, November 8, 1841, the baptismal font in the temple 
was dedicated. President Brigham Young was spokesman. 
The font is described as being situated in the center of 
the basement room, under the main hall of the temple. It 
was constructed of pine timber, and put together of staves 
tongued and grooved, oval shaped, sixteen feet long east 
and west, and twelve feet wide, seven feet high from the 
foundation, the basin four feet deep, the moulding of the 
cap and base were formed of beautiful carved work. It 
stood upon twelve oxen, four on each side, and two at 
each end, their heads, shoulders, and fore legs project- 
ing out from under the font. The oxen and ornamental 
mouldings were carved by Elder Elijah Fordham, which 
took him eight months to finish. This font was replaced 
later by a permanent font which was more durable. 

First Baptisms in the Temple. — Sunday, November 
21, 1841, the twelve met in council at President Brigham 
Young's house, and at four o'clock they repaired to the 
baptismal font in the temple, where President Brigham 
Young, Elders Heber C. Kimball and John Taylor bap- 
tized about forty persons for their dead. Ejlders Willard 
Richards, Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith, con* 



THE NAUVOO TEMPLE 311 

firmed them. These were the first 'baptisms for the dead 
in the font in the Lord's House. From this time forth, as 
long as the Saints remained in Nauvoo, baptisms for the 
dead were performed in the temple. 

Death of Don Carlos Smith. — Sunday, August 7, 
1841, Don Carlos Smith, the youngest brother of the 
Prophet, died in Nauvoo. He was only twenty-six years 
of age, and was one of the first to receive the testimony of 
the Prophet. He received the Priesthood when but fourteen 
years of age, and in 1836 was made president of the high 
priests' quorum. He was on a mission in Tennessee and 
Kentucky in 1838. During his absence in the midst of 
winter his wife was driven from her home which was 
burned, and she was forced to wade Grand River with her 
two little children. In Kirtland he labored in the office 
of Oliver Cowdery and learned the art of printing. In the 
flight of his father's family from Missouri in the winter 
of 1839, he took charge, and saw them removed to Ouincy, 
Illinois. In June, 1839, he commenced making preparations 
for printing the Times and Seasons, a periodical published 
in Nauvoo. The press and type had been rescued by Elias 
Smith, Hyrum Clark and others, from Dawson's yard in 
Far West, where it had been buried the night that place was 
besieged by the mob-militia under General Lucas. The 
Times and Seasons was issued by Don Carles Smith and 
Ebenezer Robinson, the first number appearing in Novem- 
ber, 1839. At the time of his death the editors were Don 
Carlos Smith and Robert B. Thompson. Don Carlos was 
six feet four inches tall, was very straight, strong and 
active. The Prophet said of him: "I never knew any fault 
in him ; I never saw the first immoral act, or the first 
irreligious or ignoble disposition in the child from the 
time he was born until the time of his death. He was a 
lovely, a good-natured, a kind-hearted, and a virtuous and 
faithful, upright child; and where his soul goes, let mine 
go also." 

Death of Robert B. Thompson,— Three weeks later, 



312 



ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



Robert Brashel Thompson, general Church recorder, died 
at his residence in Nauvoo, in the thirtieth year of his 
age. As already stated, he was associate editor of the 
Times and Seasons, and had been engaged in writing for 
the Prophet and for the Church, and was a colonel in the 
Nauvoo Legion. In 1837, he married Mercy Rachel Field- 
ing, sister of Mary Fielding Smith, wife of the Patriarch 
Hyrum Smith. He and his associate Don Carlos Smith, both 
fell victims to the unhealthful conditions which prevailed 
in Nauvoo at the time of its settlement. 

Dedication of Palestine. — Early Sunday morning, 
October 24, 1841, Elder Orson Hyde, of the council of the 
twelve, ascended the Mount of Olives and dedicated by 

prayer the land of Pales- 
tine for the gathering of 
the Jews. He was appointed 
to this mission at the April 
conference in 1840. Elder 
John E. Page was also ap- 
pointed to go with him, but 
lost the spirit of his mis- 
sion before he reached the 
eastern border of the United 
States, and failed to cross 
the water, leaving Elder 
Hyde to make the journey 
alone. Afterpassingthrough 
many difficulties and pri- 
vations Elder Hyde arrived 
in Jerusalem in October, 
1841. He prayed "for the 
gathering together of Ju- 
dah's scattered remnants," 
according to the predictions of the holy prophets; for the 
building of Jerusalem again after it has been trodden down 
by the Gentiles so long; and for rearing a temple to the 
name of the Lord. "Grant, therefore," he prayed "O 




ORSON HYDE 



THE NA UVO TEMPLE 313 

Lord, in the name of thy well-Jbeloved Son, Jesus Christ, 
to remove the barrenness and sterility of this land, and 
let springs of living water break forth to water its thirsty 
soil. Let the vine and olive produce in their strength, and 
the fig tree bloom and flourish. Let the land become 
abundantly fruitful and possessed by its rightful heirs; 
let it again flow with plenty to feed the returning prod- 
igals who come home with a spirit of grace and suppli- 
cation. Upon it let the clouds distill virtue and richness, 
and let the fields smile with plenty. Let the flocks and the 
herds greatly increase and multiply upon the mountains 
and the hills; and let thy great kindness conquer and 
subdue the unbelief of thy people. Do thou take from 
them their stony heart, and give them a heart of flesh ; and 
may the sun of thy favor dispel the cold mists of darkness 
which have beclouded their atmosphere. Incline them to 
gather in upon this land according to thy word. Let them 
come like clouds and like doves to their windows. Let 
the large ships of the nations bring them from the 
distant isles; and let kings become their nursing fathers, 
and queens with motherly fondness wipe the tear of sor- 
row from their eye." 

In this manner Elder Hyde prayed upon the Mount 
of Olives, dedicating the land for the return of the rem- 
nant of Judah from the four corners of the earth. He also 
erected a pile of stones as a witness according to the 
ancient custom, on the top of the Mount of Olives, and 
another on the top of Mount Moriah, where the ancient 
temple stood. 

Orson Hyde of the House of Judah. — Elder Orson 
Hyde was of the house of Judah. It was therefore very 
proper that he, as one of the apostles of the Lord in this 
last dispensation, should be sent to bless the land for the 
gathering of the Jews. At one time, nearly ten years be- 
fore, the following blessing was pronounced upon him : "In 
due time thou shalt go to Jerusalem, the land of thy fath- 
ers, and be a watchman unto the house q{ Israel ; and by 



314 



ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 




MOUNT OF OLIVES 



thy hand shall the Most High do a work, which shall 
prepare the way and greatly facilitate the gathering of 
that people."" 



a The evidence of the divine power accompanying the dedi- 
cation of the land of Palestine is seen in the wonderful changes 
which have come over that land in recent years, and also in 
the changed attitude of the Jews, in relation to their return and 
also their belief in Jesus Christ. Nephi prophesied as follows 
regarding the restoration of the Jews: "And it shall come to 
pass that the Jews which are scattered also shall begin to be- 
lieve in Christ; and they shall begin to gather in upon the face 
of the land; and as many as shall believe in Christ shall also 
become a delightsome people" (2 Nephi 30:7). The Savior also 
referred to this in his instruction to the Nephites: "And I will 
remember the covenant which I have made with my people; and 
I have covenanted with them that I would gather them together 
in mine own due time, that I would give unto them again the 
land of their fathers for their inheritance, which is the land of 
Jerusalem, which is the promised land unto them forever, saith 
the Father. And it shall come to pass that the time cometh, 
when the fulness of my gospel shall be preached unto them; 
and they shall believe in me, that I am Jesus Christ, the Son of 



THE NA UVO TEMPLE 3 1 5 

The Book of Abraham. — During the month of March 
the Prophet prepared for publication his translation of the 
Book of Abraham, which he commenced to translate while 
residing at Kirtland. Due to the persecutions and drivings 
of the Saints this matter could not be attended to before 
this time, but the manuscript had been carefully preserved, 
and was now published for the benefit of the Church and 
all the world. This work together with the Book of Moses, 
has since been received among the standard works of the 
Church. 

The Wentworth Letter. — At the request of Mr. 
John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat, the 
Prophet prepared an article for publication giving a brief 



God, and shall pray unto the Father in my name." (3 Nephi 
20:29-30). 

At the time of the dedication of Palestine the feeling ex- 
pressed by the Jews towards Jesus Christ was most bitter. This 
condition is stated by Dr. Isadore Singer, as follows: "When 
I was a boy, had my father who was a very pious man, heard 
the name of Jesus uttered from the pulpit of our synagogue, he 
and every other man in the congregation would have left the 
building and the rabbi would have been dismissed at once. 

"Now it is not strange in many synagogues to hear sermons 
preached eulogistic of this Jesus, and nobody thinks of pro- 
testing — in fact, we are all glad to claim Jesus as one of our 
people." Compare the letter of Rabbi Landau, Documentary History 
of the Church, Vol. 3 :356. 

In 1891, Baron Maurice de Hirch founded the Jewish Colo- 
nization Association. The "Lovers of Zion" Association was com- 
menced about 1878, and was supported by Baron Edmund de 
Rothschild. The Zionist Federation was organized in 1896, and 
was strongly promulgated by Theodore Herzl of Vienna, Baron 
de Rothschild and many other renowned Jews. All of these or- 
ganizations were formed to aid in the colonization of the Jews 
in Palestine. The first congress of the Zionist Federation was 
held in Basel, Switzerland, in 1897, where; the old nationalistic 
sentiment was revived, and organizations were established for 
the gathering of the Jews. 

At the Zionist Congress held in London in 1901, Professor 
R. Gothell, president of the federation, said: "It is time the na- 
tions understood our motives. Our purpose is gradually to col- 
onize Palestine. We political Zionists desire a charter from 
the Sultan authorizing us to settle in our Holy Land, and we 
ask the powers to approve and protect this charter." 

A few years ago the firm of Funk and Wagnalls published 



316 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

history of the Church. This history was published in the 
Times and Seasons, March 1, 1842. Mr. Wentworth stated 

that he wished to furnish the information to a Mr. Bastow 
who was writing a history of New Hampshire. This article 
is one of the earliest documents giving a consecutive ac- 
count of the history of the Church. It is concise and com- 
prehensive, yet covers only a few pages. The most im- 
portant feature in this paper is the publication therein, 
for the first time, of the Articles of Faith. These articles, 
thirteen in number, were given by inspiration, and form a 
simple, comprehensive declaration of many doctrines of the 
Church, which have since been accepted by the vote of the 



an edition of Dr. George Croley's work: "Tarry Thou Till T 
Come," and in the introduction Dr. Funk said: "It has been be- 
lieved by many from the earliest ages of the Christian era that 
among the signs of Christ's coming would be the recognition 
of him by the Jews as one sent of the Father; and that they 
would then be restored to the Father's favor. Dr. Funk also 
collected a number of expressions from leading Jews, their belief 
in regard to the Savior, which were published in Dr. Croley's 
work. Some of them are as follows: 

Rabbi Henry Berkowits: "This Jew, Jesus, is the greatest, 
noblest rabbi of them all." 

Morris Jastrow: "From the historic point of view, Jesus is to 
be regarded as a direct successor of the Hebrew prophets. His 
teachings are synonymous with the highest spiritual aspirations 
of the human race." 

Jacob H. Schiff: "We Jews honor and revere Jesus of Naza- 
reth as we do our ov/n prophets who preceded him." 

The Savior said to his disciples in relation to the destruction 
of Jerusalem: "And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, 
and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem 
shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the 
Gentiles be fulfilled" (Luke 21:24). The indication that this time 
of restitution is at hand is seen in the results coming out of the 
capture of Palestine by General Allenby in December, 1917, 
during the Great War. Since that time the Holy Land has been 
under the control of the British nation, and Dr. Herbert Samuel, 
an orthodox Jew, has been sent there as governor of the land. 
This is the first time since before the fall of Jerusalem (70 A. 
D.), which was predicted by the Savior, that a ruler from the 
house of Judah has presided in that land, It is an event of great 
significance. 



THE NAUVOO TEMPLE 317 

Church as a standard epitome of belief- They are as fol- 
lows: 

"We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son 
Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. 

"We believe that men will be punished for their own 
sins, and not for Adam's transgression. 

"We believe that through the atonement of Christ all 
mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and or- 
dinances of the gospel. 

"We believe that these ordinances are 1st: Faith in the 
Lord Jesus Christ ; 2nd : Repentance ; 3rd : Baptism by im- 
mersion for the remission of sins ; 4th : Laying on of hands 
for the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

"We believe that a man must be called of God by 
'prophecy and by the laying on of hands' by those who 
are in authority, to preach the gospel and administer in 
the ordinances thereof. 

"We believe in the same organization that existed in 
the primitive church, namely, Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, 
Teachers, Evangelists, etc. 

"We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revela- 
tions, visions, healing, interpretations of tongues, etc. 

"We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as 
it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mor- 
mon to be the word of God. 

"We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does 
now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many 
great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of 
God. 

"We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the 
restoration of the Ten Tribes ; that Zion will be built upon 
this continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the 
earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its 
paradisiacal glory. 

"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God 
according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow 
all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where 
or what they may. 

"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers 



3 IS ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the 
law. 

"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, 
virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed we may 
say that we follow the admonition of Paul, 'We believe all 
things, we hope all things/ we have endured many things, 
and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is any- 
thing virtuous, lovely or of good report, or praiseworthy, 
we seek after these things." 

Organization of the Relief Society. — March 17, 1842, 
"The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo" was organized by 
the Prophet Joseph Smith. Emma Smith was chosen pres- 
ident with Elizabeth Ann Whitney and Sarah M. Cleveland, 
as counselors. The purpose of the society is to furnish 
the sisters of the Church an organization through which 
they could actively foster the welfare of the members. The 
duty of the society was stated to be to aid the poor, nurse 
the sick and afflicted, and in a general way, under the 
direction and guidance of the bishop, to engage in true 
charitable work in behalf of all whose necessities require 
assistance. This was the first organization of women in 
the world, so far as history records. It is in keeping with 
the genius of the Gospel, for the Lord provides duties and 
labors for all the members of the Church, both men and 
women, wherein service may be rendered for the temporal 
as well as the spiritual salvation of mankind. 

Inauguration of Endowments. — In the revelation of 
January 19, 1841, the Lord promised to reveal to Joseph 
Smith all things pertaining to the temple and the Priest- 
hood thereof, which revelation and knowledge were neces- 
sary before the temple was erected. Wednesday, May 4, 
1842, the Prophet met with his brother, Patriarch Hyrum 
Smith, President Brigham Young, Elders Heber C. Kim- 
ball, Willard Richards, James Adams of Springfield, Bishops 
Newel K. Whitney and George Miller, and instructed them 
in the principles and orders of the Priesthood that belong 
to the temple of the Lord. He made known to them the 






THE NAUVOO TEMPLE 319 

doctrines of washings and anointings and communications 
spoken of in the revelation. In this council, which was 
held in the upper room over his store, Joseph Smith also 
instructed these brethren in "all those plans and principles 
by which any one is enabled to secure the fulness of those 
blessings which have been prepared for the Church of the 
First Born." These same blessings, the Prophet stated, 
would in due time be given in the temple to all the Saints 
who were worthy to receive them. This was the introduc- 
tion of the temple ceremonies in their fulness in this dis- 
pensation, as they apply to the living and to the dead. 
From time to time after this, these instructions (Documen- 
tary History of the Church, Vol. 5 :l-2) were repeated and 
the other members of the council of the twelve and their 
wives, and a few others, received their endowments under 
the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, as he was com- 
manded to make these things known. The members of 
the Church at large, however, were required to wait until 
such time as these ordinances could be performed in the 
temple, the place designated by the Lord for such instruc- 
tions and ordinance work to be given. 



CHAPTER 31 

JOSEPH SMITH ACCUSED AS ACCESSORY TO 

ASSAULT ON BOGGS 

1842 

Perfidy of John C. Bennett. — Doctor John C. Ben- 
nett came to Nauvoo in August, 1841, and joined the 
Church. Through his zealous activity in assisting to pro- 
cure the Nauvoo Charter, he was honored by the citizens 
in the first election, by being chosen mayor of Nauvoo. 
He also rose to prominence in the councils of the Church, 
and appeared to be a firm believer in the Gospel, and a 
staunch friend to President Joseh Smith. Not many months 
later, however, through immoral conduct, he lost the spirit 
of the Gospel, and likewise his love for President Joseph 
Smith. His case is an illustration of the truth, that the 
Spirit of the Lord will not dwell in an unholy tabernacle. 
When men transgress the Holy Spirit withdraws, and the 
light in them turns to darkness. The first intimation that 
all was not well with Dr. Bennett was made manifest to 
the Prophet May 7, 1842, after a drill and sham battle by 
the Nauvoo Legion. This event had been under prepara- 
tion since the previous January, and it was the intention 
of all to make it a grand success. In the forenoon of that 
day there was a parade of the legion, some twenty-six com- 
panies, comprising about two thousand troops. Judge 
Stephen A. Douglas, who was holding court at Carthage, 
adjourned, and with some leading attorneys, went to Nauvoo 
to witness the military maneuvers of the legion. While 
there he was the guest of President Joseph Smith. The 
day passed harmoniously without confusion. A large com- 
pany of spectators and distinguished strangers had assem- 
bled to witness the sham battle. 

Dr. Bennett who was major general of the legion re- 
quested President Smith as lieutenant general to take 
command of the first cohort during the sham battle. 



JOSEPH SMITH ACCUSED 321 

But this the Prophet declined to do. Bennett next 
requested him to take his station in the rear of the cavalry 
without his staff, while the engagement was going on; but 
Captain Albert P. Rockwood of the Prophet's body guard 
would not consent, and kept close by his leader's side, who 
chose his own position. The Spirit of the Lord whispered 
to Joseph Smith that all was not well, and after the day's 
celebration was over he said, "If General Bennett's true 
feelings toward me are not made manifest to the world in 
a very short time, then it may be possible that the gentle 
breathings of that Spirit which whispered to me on parade, 
that there was mischief concealed in that sham battle, were 
false; a short time will determine the point. Let John C. 
Bennett answer at the day of judgment: Why did you 
request me to command one of the cohorts, and also to take 
my position without my staff, during the sham battle, on 
the 7th of May, 1842, where my life might have been the 
forfeit, and no man have known who did the deed?" 

Bennett's Resignation. — Ten days later, Dr. Bennett 
resigned his office as mayor of Nauvoo having been ac- 
cused of immorality. The same day he went before Alder- 
man Daniel H. Wells, who was not a member of the Church, 
and made affidavit to the effect that he had never been 
taught anything in the least contrary to the principles of 
the Gospel, and the strictest morality in both word and 
deed, by Joseph Smith. On the 19th, the city council met 
and elected Joseph Smith to fill Bennett's unexpired term 
as mayor of Nauvoo. Before the council on this occasion, 
Bennett was accused with having said, Joseph Smith taught 
him to practice immorality. He replied, that "those who 
made such a statement were infernal liars," for Joseph 
Smith had always taught him to be virtuous. He then 
plead to be forgiven of his wrong doing, and said he hoped 
yet to prove by repentance his worthiness to fellowship in 
the Church. For the sake of his mother, he prayed that his 
evil practices might not be exposed. In this apparently 
repentant spirit he appeared before nearly one hundred 

22 



322 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

brethren and cried like a child, stating, "that he was worthy 
of the severest chastisement." The brethren thought him 
sincere and the Prophet in mercy plead in his behalf. In a 
very short time, it was discovered that not only had Bennett 
been guilty of immoral practices, but he had taught others 
to be like himself, placing the responsibility for such teach- 
ings on the shoulders of the Prophet. The result was that 
others had to be handled for their fellowship. For this 
cause, and a defiant spirit, Chauncey L. Higbee, was ex- 
communicated. Others, on confession of their wrong doing, 
and repentance, were forgiven. 

J. C. Bennett Leaves Nauvoo. — Notwithstanding the 
mercy extended to Bennett by the brethren some time dur- 
ing the month of June, he left Nauvoo, breathing out 
threatenings against the Prophet and the Church. He made 
the statement "that he had withdrawn from the fellowship 
of the Saints because they were not worthy of his society." 
He then entered into correspondence with the enemies of 
Joseph Smith in Missouri, endeavoring to stir them up to 
continue their persecutions against him. This made it neces- 
sary that a public statement be made in regard to the im- 
moral practices of Dr. Bennett. This document which was 
signed by the Prophet contained a supporting affidavit, 
bearing the signatures of the aldermen and councilors of 
the city of Nauvoo- Bennett later published a book, The 
History of the Saints, which represented to be an expose of 
"Mormonism." The work was so filled with corrupt ex- 
pressions, such as would naturally come from so vile a 
source, that it only created a spirit of disgust in those who 
read it, and it proved to be a failure. 

Shooting of Ex-Governor Boggs. — Oil the 6th day of 

May, 1842, ex-Governor Lilburn W. Boggs was shot whih 
sitting alone in a room of his residence in Independence. 
He was badly wounded and for several days his life was in 
the balance, but he soon recovered. 

President Smith Accused as an Accessory. — July 20, 



JOSEPH SMITH ACCUSED 323 

1842, Boggs went before Samuel Weston, justice of the 
peace in Independence, and made affidavit that Orrin Por- 
ter Rockwell, a resident of Illinois, had done the shooting. 
He applied to Governor Carlin in his affidavit, for the sur- 
render of Rockwell "according to law." Subsequently he 
made another affidavit in which he said he had "good 
reason to believe, from evidence and information now in his 
possession, that Joseph Smith, commonly called 'the "Mor- 
mon" Prophet/ was accessory before the fact 'of the in- 
tended murder, and that the said Joseph Smith is a citi- 
zen or resident of the state of Illinois." He applied to 
Governor Thomas Reynolds of Missouri, for a demand on 
Governor Carlin of Illinois, to deliver up Joseph Smith, to 
be dealt with according to law. Governor Reynolds very 
willingly granted the request, and appointed Edward R. 
Ford agent to receive the Prophet. In the requisition, 
Governor Reynolds stated "Joseph Smith is a fugitive from 
justice, charged with being accessory before the fact, to 
an assault with the intent to kill, made by one O. P. 
Rockwell, on Lilburn W. Boggs, in this state (Missouri) 
and is represented to the executive department of this state 
as having fled to the state of Illinois." He therefore de- 
manded the surrender of the Prophet on these grounds. 
Boggs had not accused Joseph Smith of being a fugitive, 
or with fleeing from Missouri; this charge was added by 
Reynolds. No doubt his reason, was that he knew Missouri 
could have no claim upon Joseph Smith without making 
it appear that he had committed the alleged crime within 
Missouri and fled from her borders. 

The foundation for this accusation was perhaps based 
on the rumor circulated at the time, and printed in the 
Ouincy Whig, that Joseph Smith had prophesied that Boggs 
would die a violent death. As soon as the Prophet heard 
of this rumor he took occasion to deny it publicly saying 
that he had made no such statement. Nevertheless, it gave 
occasion for an accusation, and it appears evident that Boggs 
and his fellow conspirators thought it an opportunity, and 



324 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

an excuse, to get the Prophet within their clutches, where 
they might kill him "according to law." 

Governor Carlin's Action. — Governor Carlin of Il- 
linois, appeared to be a party to this conspiracy. He had, 
at least, become embittered against President Joseph Smith, 
and was very willing to accede to the demand from Mis- 
souri. He was thoroughly acquainted with the law and 
knew perfectly well that the Prophet was in Nauvoo on the 
6th day of May, 1842, consequently was not subject to the 
requisition of Governor Reynolds of Missouri. He knew 
that President Smith was not a fugitive from justice; and, 
even if the false and malicious charge had been true, he knew 
the Prophet was entitled to a fair and legal trial in Illinois, 
not Missouri. Yet he would yield to this unlawful and un- 
righteous demand against his knowledge of these facts. . 

The Rocky Mountain Prophecy. — On Saturday, Aug- 
ust 6, 1842, President Joseph Smith passed over the river 
to Montrose, in company with General James Adams, Col- 
onel Brewer, Hyrum Smith and a number of others, and 
witnessed the installation of the officers of the Rising Sun 
Lodge of Masons, by General Adams, deputy grand master 
of Illinois. While General Adams was giving instructions 
to the master-elect, Joseph Smith had a conversation with a 
number of the brethren who were resting in the shade of 
the building. His topic was the persecutions of the Saints 
in Missouri, and the constant annoyance which had followed 
them since coming to Illinois and Iowa. In the course of 
his conversation the Prophet uttered a prophecy which he 
recorded in his journal as follows: 

"I prophesied that the Saints would continue to suffer 
much affliction and would be driven to the Rocky Moun- 
tains, many would apostatize, others would be put to death 
by our persecutors, or lose their lives in consequence of ex- 
exposure or disease, and some of them would live to go and 
assist in making settlements and build cities and see the 
Saints become a mighty people in the midst of the Rocky 
Mountains." 



JOSEPH SMITH ACCUSED 325 

Arrest of President Smith. — The governor of Illinois 
honored the demand of the Missourians, and on the 8th 
day of August, 1842, President Joseph Smith and Orrin P. 
Rockwell were both taken into custody by the deputy sheriff 
of Adams County, on a warrant issued by the governor. 
The prisoners demanded the right of habeas corpus, and 
the court of Nauvoo issued a writ demanding that the bodies 
of the two accused men be brought before that court. The 
deputy sheriff and his aids refused to recognize the juris- 
diction of the court, and returned to Governor Carlin for 
further instructions, leaving the Prophet and Rockwell in 
the hands of the marshal of Nauvoo. The marshal had no 
papers by which they could be held, so permitted them to 
go about their business. 

The Prophet's Comments on His Arrest. — Comment- 
ing on his arrest, the Prophet said : 

"I have yet to learn by what rule of right I was ar- 
rested to be transported to Missouri for a trial of the kind 
stated. 'An accessory to an assault with intent to kill/ does 
not come under the provision of the fugitive act, when the 
person charged has not been out of Illinois. An accessory 
before the fact to manslaughter is something of an anomaly: 
The isolated affidavit of ex-Governor Boggs is no more 
than any other man's, and the constitution says, that no 
person shall be liable to be transported out of the state for 
an offense committed within the same. The whole is 
another Missouri farce." 

Expecting the return of the deputy sheriff, President 
Smith secured a writ of habeas corpus from the master in 
chancery for the district of Illinois, fearing that the court of 
Nauvoo might be deemed without jurisdiction or au- 
thority. Two days later when the officers returned, Pres- 
ident Smith and Rockwell were not at home. The deputy 
sheriff made many threats and tried to intimidate the 
brethren at Nauvoo, but failing in this, when questioned, 
he admitted that the course the governor had taken was 
unjustifiable and illegal. 

President Joseph Smith in Retirement. — Because of 



326 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

the excitement which prevailed and the fear that they would 
be unlawfully dragged to Missouri, Joseph and O. P. Rock- 
wel retired to seclusion. While in retirement the Prophet 
kept in touch with affairs in Nauvoo and wrote to the Saints 
from time to time. • It was while thus confined that he 
wrote the important letters which now appear as sections 
127 and 128 in the Doctrine and Covenants, on baptism for 
the dead. 

Threats of Mob Vengeance, — When the officers 
failed to find President Smith and Orrin Porter Rockwell, 
they were enraged and threatened to return with a suf- 
ficient force to search every house in Nauvoo. Ford, the 
officer from Missouri, declared that he would come with a 
mob from Missouri and take the Prophet by force. Hearing 
of these reports, President Smith wrote to Wilson Law, 
major general of the Nauvoo Legion, advising him to take 
necessary steps to protect the citizens of Nauvoo against 
any such attack. In his communication he said he had come 
to the conclusion that he would never suffer himself to fall 
into the hands of the Missourians alive, if he could help it. 
To surrender to the officers of Illinois meant the same thing, 
for Governor Carlin had joined hands with Missouri, tak- 
ing unlawful steps to send him to that state. "I am deter- 
mined, therefore," the Prophet said, "to keep out of their 
hands, and thwart their designs, if possible." 

Emma Smith Appeals to Governor Carlin. — August 
17, 1842, Emma Smith wrote a pathetic appeal to Governor 
Carlin pleading the cause of her husband and the Latter- 
day Saints, and requesting that he rescind his order to turn 
President Smith over to his enemies in Missouri. She 
set forth in a clear, logical manner the fact that the decision 
to deliver him to the authorities in Missouri was contrary 
to law. That if he had been guilty of any crime it must 
have been committed in Illinois, and the pursuit of Presi- 
dent Smith was a continuation of the old mob spirit and 
persecution which had followed the Saints during all the 
years of their sojourn in Missouri. Others also appealed 



JOSEPH SMITH ACCUSED 327 

to the governor, reminding him of the many threats that 
were made against the citizens of Nauvoo, by John C. 
Bennett, Edward R. Ford and others. His reply to all of 
these was that he could not conceive of an attack of vio- 
lence upon the citizens, and there was "no excitement any- 
where but in Nauvoo, amongst the Mormons themselves." 
There was no apprehension of trouble in other places, so far 
as he was able to ascertain. At the same time he confessed 
in conversation, that "persons were offering their services 
every day, either in person or by letter, and held them- 
selves in readiness to go against the Mormons" whenever 
he should call upon them. Judge Ralston, who was present 
when the governor read Emma Smith's letter, asked him 
how he thought Mr. Smitfi could go through the midst of 
his enemies, without violence being used towards him ; and, 
if acquitted, how was he to get back? The governor was 
unable to make satisfactory reply. 

Answering Emma Smith's letter, the governor said he 
had been "prompted by a strict sense of duty," and in dis- 
charge of that duty, had "studiously pursued that course 
least likely to produce excitement and alarm." He hoped 
that Joseph Smith would submit to the laws and that justice 
might be done. At the same time he said the Constitution 
and the laws of the United States, required him to take the 
course he did regarding Joseph Smith as a fugitive from 
justice. Yet he was perfectly aware that President Smith 
was not a fugitive in any sense of the term. He further 
suggested that if "he is innocent of any crime, and the 
proceedings are illegal, it would be the more easy for him 
to procure an acquittal," and he felt that Missouri would 
grant the "utmost latitude" in his defense. It was clear that 
he had no friendly disposition towards the President of the 
Church. 

A Ruse to Capture President Smith. — In the mean- 
time President Joseph Smith returned to Nauvoo and in a 
meeting of a special conference August 29, addressed the 
Saints. Some of the Saints thought he had gone to Wash- 



328 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

ington, others that he had gone to Europe, however, he had 
been in Nauvoo most of the time. Sunday, October 2, 1842, 
word came from Quincy, that Governor Carlin had offered 
a reward of two hundred dollars for the capture of Joseph 
Smith and the same amount for O. P. Rockwell. The 
Quincy Whig also stated that Governor Reynolds of Mis- 
souri, had offered a reward of three hundred dollars for 
each of the brethren. President Sidney Rigdon, who had 
been in conversation at Carthage with Judge Stephen A. 
Douglas, concerning Governor Carlin's proceedings, in- 
formed William Clayton that he had learned that the gov- 
ernor had purposely issued an illegal writ, expecting Presi- 
dent Joseph Smith would be drawn by it to Carthage to be 
acquitted before Judge Douglas on habeas corpus proceed- 
ings. As soon as this was done a legal writ would be served 
and he would be carried away to Missouri. Elder Elias 
Higbee confirmed President Rigdon's report, adding there- 
to that many Miissourians were coming to unite with the 
militia of Illinois, voluntarily, at their own expense. If 
President Smith should fail to go to Carthage they would 
come in force to Nauvoo and search the city. Receiving 
this knowledge, the Prophet concluded again to leave home 
for a season, and thus defeat the plans of Governor Carlin 
and his aids. 

Justin Butterfield's Legal Opinion. — While all these 
trials and tribulations were going on, the case of President 
Joseph Smith had been presented to United States District 
Attorney Justin Butterfield, of Chicago, by the master in 
chancery, Major Warren. Mr. Butterfield wrote to Sidney 
Rigdon, October 10, 1842, an elaborate opinion on the case. 
The salient points in his opinion are as follows: If^it 
could be proved that Joseph Smith had not fled from Mis- 
souri since the commission of the crime of which he was 
accused, and that he was not in that state at that time, then 
the governor of Illinois had no power to surrender him to 
Missouri. According to the Constitution, a man to be a 
fugitive, "must be a person who shall flee from justice and 



JOSEPH SMITH ACCUSED 32D 

be found in another state." The defendant has the right 
to show that the process upon which he was arrested was 
obtained by false pretense, that it is untrue that he fled 
from Missouri to evade being brought to justice there, for 
the crime of which he is charged. The affidavit of Boggs 
is not conclusive and may be rebutted : the defendant has 
the right to show the affidavit false. The affidavit of 
Boggs "on its face was not sufficient to authorize the 
arrest of Smith." The opinion concluded with the following 
advice : 

"I would advise that Mr. Smith procure respectable and 
sufficient affidavits to prove beyond all question, that he 
was in the state (Illinois) and not in Missouri, at the time 
the crime with which he is charged was committed., and 
upon these affidavits, apply to the governor to counter- 
mand the warrant he has issued for his arrest. 

"If he should refuse to do so. I am clearly of the opin- 
ion that, upon the above state of facts, the supreme court 
will discharge him upon habeas corpus." 

Governor Carlin's attitude being unfavorable, no fur- 
ther action was taken until December, when the term of 
Carlin expired. On the 8th of that month Thomas Ford 
was inaugurated as the chief executive of Illinois. Imme- 
diately affidavits were obtained to prove beyond controversy 
that President Joseph Smith was in the s^ate of Illinois on the 
6th day of May, 1842, the day of the shooting of ex-Gover- 
nor Boggs, but Governor Ford refused to interfere with the 
action of his predecessor. The supreme court being in ses- 
sion, he passed the case with all the papers up to them for a 
decision. The judges held that the writ was illegal, but 
were divided as to whether or not Ford should interfere. 
The governor thereupon addressed President Joseph Smith, 
December 17, 1842, stating that he had submitted the case 
to the supreme court of Illinois. The governor then said: 

"I can only advise that you submit to the laws and have 
a judicial investigation of your rights. If it should become 
necessary, for this purpose, to repair to Springfield, I do 
not believe that there will be a disposition to use illegal 



330 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

violence towards you; and I would feel it my duty in your 
case, as in the case of any other person, to protect you 
with any necessary amount of force from mob violence 
whilst asserting your rights before the courts, going to and 
returning." 

The Prophet Receives Advice. — Justin Butterfield, 
in a letter from Springfield of the same date, advised the 
Prophet to accept the suggestion of Governor Ford. He 
said the judges of the supreme court were unanimous in 
the opinion that he would be entitled to a discharge under 
a habeas corpus writ. Therefore he advised President 
Smith to go to Springfield without delay, for he had the 
right to bring the case before the United States court, 
which was then in session. "I will stand by you," he said, 
"and see you safely delivered from your arrest." 

Another letter was received from Judge James Adams, 
who greatly loved the Prophet. He said : 

"My Son: — It is useless for me to detail facts that the 
bearer can tell. But I will say that it appears to my judg- 
ment that you had best make no delay in coming before the 
court at this place for a discharge under a habeas corpus." 

Joseph Smith Surrenders for Trial. — Acting on this 
advice, President Smith prepared to go to Springfield. 
December 26, he was arrested by General Wilson Law on 
the proclamation of Governor Carlin. The next day in the 
custody of Wilson Law and a number of his closest friends, 
he commenced his journey. On the way they obtained 
a writ of habeas corpus from the master in chancery at 
Carthage. On the 30th, he arrived at the home of Judge 
James Adams, in Springfield. The next day, to save delay, 
and possible legal complications, Governor Ford was peti- 
tioned for another writ that the case might be tried thereon 
and it was issued. At half-past eleven President Smith 
went before Judge Pope, where Mr. Butterfield presented 
all the papers in the case and asked for habeas corpus, 
because the accusation was false, which was granted. The 
Prophet was then placed under bail in the sum of four 
thousand dollars. Judge Adams and Wilson Law went bail 



JOSEPH SMITH ACCUSED 331 

for him, and his : ase was set for Mondav morning, Tanuarv 
2. 1843. 

The Trial. — A postponement of the trial was taken 
until the following Wednesday. When the case came before 
the court, the attorney general. Tosiah Lamborn. moved to 
dismiss the proceedings, objecting to the jurisdiction of the 
court. He was overruled and the trial proceeded. On 
the 5th day of January. 1843, Judge Pope rendered a 
lengthy decision, discharging the Prophet on the grounds 
that he was entitled to his discharge for defect in the aft: :';. "'■_-_ 
on which the demand for his surrender to Missouri was made- 
"To authorize the arrest in this case." the opinion said, "the 
affidavit should have stated distinctly — 1st, that Smith had 
committed a crime : 2nd, that he committed it in Missouri It 
must appear that he fled from Missouri to authorize the 
governor of Missouri to demand him,, as none other than the 
governor of the state from which he fled can make the 
iemand. He could not have fled from justice unless he 
committed a crime., which does not appear. It must appear 
that the crime was committed in Missouri, to warrant the 
governor of Illinois in ordering him to be sent to Missouri 
for triaL" 

On these grounds an order was entered discharging the 
prisoner from arrest. Once again Missouri, persecutor of 
saints and prophets, was defeated: but her thirst for their 
blood was not satisfied. 

Bennett's Letter to Sidney Rigdon and Orson Pratt. 
— January 10, 1843, John C. Bennett sent a communication 
from Springfield to Sidney Rigdon. and addressed to Rigdon 
and Orson Pratt, in which he states that he was leaving for 
Missouri to confer with the messenger charged with the 
arrest of Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith. Lyman Wight, and 
others, who would be demanded in a few days on the old 
charge of "murder, burglary, treason, etc." This was on 
the new indictments found bv the grand iurv ana based on 



°For the full decision, which should be read see Documentarv 
History of the Church, Vol. 5 223-231. See also pages 233-244 for 

papers on the trial. 



332 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

the original evidence. He said: "We shall try Smith on 
the Boggs case, when we get him into Missouri. The war 
goes bravely on ; and although Smith thinks he is now safe, 
the enemy is near, even at the door." Moreover, he stated 
that they had the assurance that the governor of Illinois 
would acknowledge the new demand. "There is but one 
opinion on the case," he wrote, "and that is, nothing can 
save Joe on a new requisition and demand predicated on 
the old charges on the institution of new writs. He must 
go to Missouri; but he shall not be harmed if he is not 
guilty ; but he is a murderer, and must suffer the penalty of 
the law." A postscript requested that Sidney Rigdon hand 
the letter to Orson Pratt. After reading it, Sidney Rigdon 
did as he was requested, but Orson Pratt immediately 
took the letter to President Joseph Smith and informed 
him that he was not in league with such a character as 
Bennett. Bennett wrote to these men knowing that at 
the time they were both lukewarm towards the work, and 
that Orson Pratt, for disobedience, had been handled for 
his fellowship. Following this episode, Orson Pratt was 
received back in the fellowship 'of the Church. For some 
time previous to this incident, Sidney Rigdon had failed 
to magnify his calling and had gone contrary to counsel. 
When confronted with the letter from Bennett he denied 
having had any correspondence with him. 

Rejoicing in Nauvoo. — When President Smith re- 
turned to Nauvoo, from his trial, there was great rejoicing. 
Tuesday, January 17, 1843, was set apart by the apostles 
as a "day of humiliation, fasting, praise, prayer and thanks- 
giving" before the Lord. Many public meetings were held 
throughout the city. One public gathering of this kind was 
held at the home of President Joseph Smith. The follow- 
ing day a party of invited guests assembled at his home to 
celebrate his deliverance from his enemies. The day passed 
very pleasantly; many interesting anecdotes were related, 
and what added interest to the occasion was the fact that it 
was the fifteenth anniversary of the Prophet's wedding day. 



CHAPTER 32 

DOCTRINAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROPHECY 

1843 

A Brief Period of Peace. — At the beginning of the 
year 1843, peace reigned in Nauvoo; for a time the Saints 
remained undisturbed, and the Prophet had a breathing 
spell of freedom. Yet there were ripples on the surface 
of the water. President Joseph Smith had been delivered 
from his enemies in Missouri. The persecutors of the 
Church had been defeated; but were still determined to 
pursue their evil course. The Missourians were in league 
with the enemies of the Prophet in Illinois, with a relent- 
less determination to bring him to his death. 

This brief period of peace gave the Prophet an op- 
portunity to instruct the Saints in various duties and 
doctrines and more fully to establish the order and authority 
of the Priesthood. The building of the temple progressed; 
increased light was thrown on the subject of salvation 
for the dead, and the Saints were impressed with the wonder- 
ful importance and responsibility connected with their ob- 
ligations in relation to their fathers. Important revelations 
were received. The number of inhabitants in Nauvoo rapidly 
increased, and there was a time of prosperity and general 
rejoicing. But such a condition was not destined to continue 
very long. The clouds of malicious hatred were to be seen 
in the distance, and soon the storm of bitter persecution 
was to break forth once again in redoubled fury. Traitors 
within, and enemies without, were to join hands for the 
destruction of the Prophet. 

President Joseph Smith's Intimation of Death. — 

President Smith evidently understood that this spell of 
peace and prosperity would not last. With constant plead- 
ing he urged the Saints to increase their labors on the 
temple, and .they responded with hearty good will. In his 



334 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

prophecy, August 6, 1842, he declared to his brethren that 
he was not destined to go with them to the Rocky Moun- 
tains ; yet they failed to comprehend his meaning. On sev- 
eral occasions he intimated in his remarks that his enemies 
would not be satisfied with anything short of his life, and 
then they would pursue others. He spoke to the Saints 
at a meeting in the unfinished temple, January 22, 1843, 
taking for his text, "The Setting up of the Kingdom of 
God." In the course of his discourse he said: "I shall not 
be sacrificed until my time comes ; then I shall be of- 
fered freely. All flesh is as grass, and a governor is no 
better than other men ; when he dies he is a bag of dust. 
I thank God for preserving me from my enemies. I have 
no enemies but for the truth's sake. I have no desire but to 
do all men good. I feel to pray for all men. We don't ask 
any people to throw away any good they have got ; we only 
ask them to come and get more. They would then see eye 
to eye, and the blessings of God would be poured out upon 
the people, which is the desire of my whole soul. Amen." 

Doctrinal Development. — Early in January, 1843, in 
discoursing on the kingdom of God, the Prophet said : "Some 
say the kingdom of God was not set up on the earth until 
the day of Pentecost, and John the Baptist did not preach the 
baptism for repentance for the remission of sins. But I say, 
in the name of the Lord, that the kingdom of God was set 
up on the earth from the days of Adam to the present time. 
* * * Where there is no kingdom of God, there is no sal- 
vation. What constitutes the kingdom of God? Where 
there is a prophet, a priest, or a righteous man unto whom 
God gives his oracles, there is the kingdom of God; and 
where the oracles of God are not, there the kingdom of 
God is not." In relation to the Gospel and baptism preached 
by John, he said : "John came preaching the Gospel for the 
remission of sins. He had his authority from God, and 
the oracles of God were with him." Speaking of 
the sign of the Holy Ghost, he stated : "The Holy Ghost 



DOCTRINAL DEVELOPMENT 335 

is a personage, and in the form of a personage. It 
does not confine itself to the form of a dove, but 
in the sign of a dove. The Holy Ghost cannot be trans- 
formed into the form of a dove; but the sign of a dove 
was given to John to signify the truth of the deed [bap- 
tism of Christ], as the dove is an emblem or token of truth 
and innocence." In February he received a revelation em- 
bodying the following principle: There are two kinds of 
beings in heaven; angels, who are resurrected personages, 
having bodies of flesh and bones; and spirits of just men 
made perfect who are not yet resurrected, but inherit the 
same glory. In April, 1843, he gave instructions at Ramus, as 
follows: "When the Savior shall appear, we shall see him 
as he is. We shall see that he is a man like ourselves 
and that same sociality which exists among us here will 
exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal 
glory, which glory we do not now enjoy." The reckoning 
of God's time, angel's time and man's time is according 
to the planet on which they reside. All angels who minister 
on this earth, have belonged to it. Angels reside in the 
presence of God on a globe like a sea of glass and fire, 
where all things for their glory are manifest. The place 
where God dwells is a great Urim and Thummim. This 
earth, in its sanctified and immortal state, will be like unto 
crystal and will be a Urim and Thummim to the inhabitants 
who dwell thereon, whereby all things pertaining to an 
inferior kingdom, or all kingdoms of a lower order, will be 
manifest to those who dwell on it. The white stone mention- 
ed in Revelations 2:17 will become a Urim and Thummim to 
each individual who receives one, through which things of a 
higher order will be made known. Again, he taught that 
all principles of intelligence we attain unto in this life, 
will rise with us in the resurrection. The Father has a body 
of flesh and bones as has the Son, Jesus Christ, also, but 
the Holy Ghost is a personage of Spirit. During the time 
of the trial at Springfield, in answer to questions, he said: 
"Christ and the resurrected Saints will reign over the 



336 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

earth during the thousand years. They will not probably 
dwell upon the earth, but will visit it when they please, 
or when it is necessary to govern it. There will be wicked 
men on the earth during the thousand years. The heathen 
nations who will not come up to worship will be visited 
with the judgments of God. In this manner, in conver- 
sations, discourses and writings, the Prophet ' taught the 
people. 

Attempt to Repeal the Nauvoo Charter. — When Gov- 
ernor Thomas Ford delivered his inaugural address in De- 
cember, 1842, he recommended modification of the Nau- 
voo charter, on the grounds that many objections had been 
raised because of exceptional powers, which had been 
granted. Yet these powers had proved beneficial to the 
Saints, and where righteous government was adminis- 
tered, as it was in Nauvoo, such a charter proved to be 
a blessing. In the hands of despots such privileges might 
have been abused. When the charter was granted, the 
prophet said: "The city charter of Nauvoo is of my own 
plan and device. I concocted it for the salvation of the 
Church, and on principles so broad, that every honest man 
might dwell secure under its protective influence without 
distinction of sect or party." A bill was presented in the 
legislature to repeal certain sections of the charter shortly 
after that body convened. The enemies of the Saints en- 
deavored to repeal much more than had at first been con- 
templated, and take from the charter many provisions 
like those found in the charters of the other cities in Illi- 
nois. This attempt was made purposely to hurt the "Mor- 
mons," by restricting their rights. The bill passed the 
house in March with a vote of 58 to 33. When it reached 
the senate it was tabled. The time for the repeal had not 
arrived. 

A General Missionary Call. — At the conference of the 
Church in April, 1843, a general missionary movement 
was contemplated. President Joseph Smith, in the course 
of his remarks, advised that the elders when they went 



DOCTRINAL DEVELOPMENT 337 

forth as missionaries, should preach repentance and the 
things they were sent to preach. "Declare the first princi- 
ples, " he said, "and let mysteries alone, lest you be over- 
thrown. Never meddle with the visions of beasts and sub- 
jects you do not understand." Following the general con- 
ference a special conference convened April 10, and con- 
tinued through the 12th, presided over by the apostles. At 
this conference elders were chosen and their appointments 
given for various mission fields in Canada and the several 
states, excepting blighted Missouri. On the 11th of May, 
following, Addison Pratt, Noah Rogers, Benjamin B. Grou- 
ard and Knowlton F. Hanks, were selected to go on mis- 
sions to the Pacific isles ; Dan Jones, to Wales ; James Sloan, 
to Ireland; John Cairnes and Samuel James to England, 
with Reuben Hedlock, who was appointed to preside in 
Great Britain with Hiram Clark and Thomas Ward, who 
were in England, as his assistants. 

Eternity of the Marriage Covenant. — While at Ra- 
mus, May 16 and 17, 1843, the Prophet made the following 
declaration : 

"In the celestial glory there are three heavens or de- 
grees ; and in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter 
in to this order of the Priesthood (meaning the new and 
everlasting covenant of marriage) ; and if he does not, he 
cannot obtain it. 

"He may enter into the other, but that is the end of 
his kingdom; he cannot have an increase. 

"Salvation means a man's being placed beyond the 
power of all his enemies. 

"The more sure word of prophecy (mentioned by Pe- 
ter) means a man's knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal 
life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the 
power of the Holy Priesthood. 

"It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. 

"There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit 
is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be dis- 
cerned by purer eyes. 

"We cannot see it; but when our bodies are purified 
we shall see that it is all matter.' , 

23 



338 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

The New and Everlasting Covenant. — A revelation 
dealing with the subject of marriage for eternity, or ce- 
lestial marriage as it is known, was reduced to writing July 
12, 1843 (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 132). It had been revealed to 
the Prophet a long time before this date, but had not been re- 
corded or publicly announced. In it the Lord defines the 
"new and everlasting covenant." In a number of revelations 
previously given the new and everlasting covenant is men- 
tioned, and various principles of the Gospel are spoken of 
as new and everlasting covenants. Thus, in the Lord's Pref- 
ace to the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, he says he 
gave commandments to Joseph Smith, that his "everlast- 
ing covenant might be established ; that the fulness of the 
Gospel might be proclaimed." Immediately after the organi- 
zation of the Church, he declared that baptism is a "new and 
an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the be- 
ginning," and in a revelation given October 25, 1831 (Doc. 
and Cov. Sec. 66), the everlasting covenant is defined as 
the fulness of the Gospel, "sent forth unto the children of 
men, that they might have life and be ma r1 e partakers of 
the glories which are to be revealed." But the full meaning 
and significance of the "new and everlasting covenant," was 
not revealed until the Prophet received this revelation 
(Doc. and Cov. Sec. 132), in which it is defined as follows: 

"For behold! I reveal unto you a new and an ever- 
lasting covenant; and if ye abide not that covenant, then 
are ye damned; for no one can reject this covenant, and 
be permitted to enter into my glory; for all who will have 
a blessing at my hands, shall abide the law which was ap- 
pointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as 
were instituted from before the foundation of the world.' 

This reference has bearing on the new covenant of ce- 
lestial marriage, or marriage for eternity, spoken of by 
President Joseph Smith at Ramus in May, 1843. Then the 
Lord defines the law of the new and everlasting covenant, 
which embraces all other covenants and principles belonging 
to the Gospel: 



DOCTRINAL DEVELOPMENT 339 

"And as pertaining to the new and everlasting cov- 
enant, it was instituted for the fulness of my glory; and he 
that receiveth a fulness thereof, must and shall abide the 
lalw, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God. 

"And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this 
law are these * — All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations 
oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or ex- 
pectations, that are not made and entered into, and sealed, 
\>y the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, 
both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most 
holy, by revelation and commandment through the medium 
of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to 
hold this power (and I have appointed unto my servant 
Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is 
never but one on the earth at a time, on whom this power 
and the keys of this Priesthood are conferred), are of no 
efficacy, virtue or force, in and after the resurrection from 
the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end, 
have an end when men are dead." 

Conversely, then, all contracts entered into in this life, 
and sealed by this authority, are binding and of force after 
the resurrection, as the revelation further on declares: 

"Behold ! mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord, 
and not a house of confusion. Will I accept of an offering 
saith the Lord, that is not made in my name! Or will I 
receive at your hands that which I have not appointed! 
And, will I appoint unto you, saith the Lord, except it be by 
law, even as I and my Father ordained unto you, before the 
world was ! I am the Lord thy God, and I give unto you 
tins commandment, that no man shall come unto the Father 
but by me, or by my word, which is my law, saith the Lord. 
And everything that is in the world, whether it be ordained 
of men, by thrones, or principalities, or powers, or things 
of name, whatsoever they may be, that are not by me or b> 
my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down, and shall 
not remain after men are dead, neither in nor after the 
resurrection, saith the Lord your God; for whatsoever 
tilings remain, are by me ; and whatsoever things are not by 
me, shall be shaken and destroyed." 



340 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Revealed by Elijah.— The keys of this wonderful and 
impressive doctrine were restored when Elijah conferred 
his Priesthood. The mission of Elijah in this dispensation, 
as prophesied of by Malachi, was to restore the sealing, or 
binding power, through which covenants and contracts, as 
here described by the Lord, are approved and ratified in the 
heavens. Referring to this subject, President Joseph Smith 
remarked in one of his discourses: 

"Elijah was the last prophet that held the keys of the 
Priesthood, * * * It is true that the Savior had authority 
and power to bestow this blessing; but the sons of Levi 
were too prejudiced. 'And I will send Elijah the Prophet 
before the great and terrible day of the Lord,' etc. Why 
send Elijahs Because he holds the keys of the authority to 
administer in all the ordinances of the Priesthood ; and 
without the authority is given, the ordinances could not be 
administered in righteousness." 

Again: 

"The spirit, power, and calling of Elijah is, that ye have 
power to hold the key of the revelation, ordinances, oracles, 
powers and endowments of the fulness of the Melchizedek 
Priesthood and of the kingdom of God on the earth ; and 
to receive, obtain and perform all the ordinances belonging 
to the kingdom of God, even unto the turning pi the hearts 
of the fathers unto the children, and the hearts of the 
children unto the fathers, even those who are in heaven. 
* * * What is this office and work of Elijah? It is one 
of the greatest and most important subjects that God has 
revealed. He shou'id send Elijah to sea? the children to the 
fathers, and the fathers to the children." 

In the Temple these Blessings are Obtained. — In 
the temple of the Lord these sealing blessings may be ob- 
tained. Only in the days of poverty, when there is no tem- 
ple, can they be received elsewhere. The Prophet added 
further instruction to this subject in a discourse, Sunday, 
June 11, 1843, wherein he said: 

*'One of the ordinances of the house of the Lord is 
baptism for the dead. God decreed before the foundation of 



DOCTRINAL DEVELOPMENT 341 

the world that that ordinance should be administered in a 
font prepared for that purpose in the house of the Lord. 

"If a man gets a fulness of the Priesthood of God, he 
has to get it in the same way that Jesus Christ obtained 
it, and that was by keeping all the commandments and 
obeying all the ordinances of the house of the Lord. * * * 

"All men who become heirs of God and joint-heirs with" 
Jesus Christ, will have to receive the fulness of the ordi- 
nances of his kingdom ; and those who will not receive all 
the ordinances will come short of the fulness of that glory, 
if they do not lose the whole." (Documentary History of 
the Church, Vol. 5: p. 423). 

Plural Marriage. — This revelation, dated July 12, 1843, 
also contains the doctrine of plural wives. This doctrine was 
made known to the Prophet as early as the summer of 
1831, and by him was taught to a few others, but it was 
not practiced until the Lor-d commandei it. Secrecy was 
imposed by the Lord until such time as he saw fit for its 
introduction. When the Prophet was commanded to practice 
this principle, he 'hesitated and deferred taking action for 
some lime. To do so was one of the greatest trials of his 
life. He knew the doctrine was in conflict with the tradi- 
tions and teachings of the world and would arouse increased 
persecution; moreover, his own prejudices were in opposi- 
tion to the doctrine. However, the Lord had commanded 
him and he must act. 

In Nauvoo the doctrine was revealed to many of the 
leading brethren, and wives were sealed to some of them by 
President Joseph Smith, and to others, und~r his direction. 
However, it was not until 1852, after the Saints had come 
to Utah that the levelation was published to the world. 

The Douglas Prophecy. — On the return from Ramus, 
where the doctrine of the eternity of marriage was taught 
to a number of brethren, President Joseph Smith and his 
scribe, William Clayton, paid a visit to Judge Stephen A. 
Douglas, at Carthage, where he was holding court. On invi- 
tation they dined with Judge Douglas, and after dinner he 
requested President Smith to relate the history of the 



342 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

persecutions of the Saints while in Missouri. This he did 

in some detail, covering a period of about three hours. He 
also gave an account of his visit to Washington, with Judge 
Elias Higbee and Sidney Rigdon, in 1839, and their treat- 
ment by President Martin Van Buren, Henry Clay, John C. 
Calhoun and others. Judge Douglas listened with the 
closest attention and deprecated the conduct of Governor 
Boggs and his aids in Missouri. He said that any people 
who would do as the Missourians had done to the Latter- 
day Saints ought to be brought to judgment and punished. 
President Smith, in concluding the conversation, uttered 
the following prophecy which was recorded in the journal 
of his secretary, William Clayton, under date of the event, 
May 18, 1843: 

"Judge, you will aspire to the presidency of the United 
States; and if ever you turn your hand against me or the 
Latter-day Saints, you will feel the weight of the hand of 
the Almighty upon you ; and you will live to see and know 
that I have testified the truth to you; for the conversation 
of this day will stick to you through life." a 



^Stephen A. Douglas lived tc see the fulfilment of this 
prophecy. He did aspire to the presidency of the United States. 
He did raise his voice against the Latter-day Saints in a speech 
delivered in Springfield, Illinois, June 12, 1857. The speech was 
published in the "Missouri Republican." While Mr. Douglas had 
more reason to expect to be elected than any other candidate, he 
was overwhelmingly defeated, and Abraham Lincoln was elected 
President of the United States. 

For full particulars in relation to this subject, the reader is 
referred to the "History of the Mormon Church," chapter 46, by 
Elder B. H. Roberts. 



CHAPTER 33 

MISSOURI'S THIRD ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE 
JOSEPH SMITH 

1843 

Conspiracy Against Joseph Smith. — When John C. 
Bennett wrote to Sidney Rigdon and Orson Pratt, saying 
he was on his way to Missouri to obtain a new requisition 
for Joseph Smith and others, it was not an idle threat. Not 
many weeks had passed before reports reached Nauvoo 
that new indictments had been found against President 
Smith, based on the old Missouri charges, and that John C. 
Bennett was making desperate threats. Moreover, Bennett 
must have had some definite information which caused him 
to say that Governor Ford would acknowledge the new 
requisition. A conspiracy, evidently, was on foot, in which 
the governors of the two states were to play their parts. 
Further evidence that Governor Ford was a party to the 
conspiracy is discovered in a communication dated June 10, 
1843, from Sam C. Owens of Independence, to the governor 
of Illinois. Owens, one of the bitterest persecutors of the 
Saints in Missouri, stated in his letter that John C. Ben- 
nett had authorized him to write to Governor Ford, ''with- 
out hesitation'' in regard to the charges against Joseph 
Smith. "At the last term of the circuit court of Daviess 
County,'' he wrote, "an indictment was found by the grand 
jury against Joseph Smith for treason against the state," 
and necessary papers were on the way to Governor Thomas 
Reynolds, who, on receipt thereof, would issue a requisition, 
and Mr. Joseph H. Reynolds would be sent as a special 
agent "to attend to the business." Owens also said that 
"Dr. Bennett further writes that he has made an agreement 
with Harmon T. Wilson, of Hancock County (Carthage 
seat of justice), in whose hands he wishes the writ that 
shall be issued by you to be put. From the tenor of his letter 



344 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

I am induced to believe that he has made the same suggestion 
to you." 

A Warrant for His Arrest. — June 13, 1843, Governor 
Reynolds issued the requisition and Joseph H. Reynolds was 
dispatched to Illinois. Governor Ford lost no time in issu- 
ing the warrant for the arrest and placed it in the hands of 
Harmon T. Wilson, who, with Reynolds, immediately started 
for their prisoner. The night before the warrant was issued 
Governor Ford incidentally remarked to Judge James Adams 
that the next day he would issue such a writ. Judge Adams 
sent an express at once to Nauvoo to warn the Prophet 
of impending danger. His message arrived in the evening of 
Sunday, June 18, but President Smith was not at home. 
On the 13th, he and his family had gone north to visit 
with Mrs. Wasson, sister of Emma Smith, who resided near 
Dixon, Lee County, Illinois. Hyrum Smith sent William 
Clayton and Stephen Markham on horse back with all speed 
to warn his brother Joseph. They arrived at Wasson's on 
the afternoon of Wednesday, June 21, a distance of two 
hundred and twelve miles. Hearing their report, Joseph 
said: "I have no fear. I shall not leave here; I shall find 
friends, and Missourians cannot hurt me, I tell you in the 
name of the Lord." He cancelled an appointment to preach 
in Dixon, and concluded to remain with the Wassons, fear- 
ing that if he started for home he might fall into the hands 
of his enemies where he had no friends. 

His Arrest by Reynolds and Wilson. — From some 
source Reynolds and Wilson learned that Joseph was at 
Dixon and thither they went with haste. On the way to 
Wasson's they passed William Clayton, who had been sent 
to spy out the land, but as they were disguised, Clayton did 
not know them. Arriving at their destination the sheriffs 
represented themselves to be "Mormon" elders and were 
directed to the Wasson home. President Smith was in the 
yard when they arrived. Springing upon him like fiends, and 
without showing any papers for his arrest, they pointed 
cocked pistols at his head and with many vile oaths, threat- 



ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE JOSEPH SMITH 345 

ened to shoot him if he stirred. They repeatedly jabbed 
the muzzles of their pistols in his ribs, and were for hurry- 
ing him off to Dixon without giving him a chance to say 
farewell to his family or friends, or obtain his hat and coat. 
Stephen Markham grabbed the horses by the bits and held 
them saying: "There is no law on earth that requires a 
sheriff to take a prisoner without his clothes." They 
threatened to shoot him, but he paid no heed to their 
threats, and Emma Smith brought her husband his hat and 
coat. As the wagon rolled away, Joseph called to Markham 
to go to Dixon and secure a writ of habeas corpus. On the 
way the officers repeatedly thrust their pistols in the Proph- 
et's sides with accompanying oaths of blasphemy, and did 
not desist until shortly before reaching Dixon, when Mark- 
ham, who had overtaken them, upbraided them for their 
cowardice and brutal treatment of their prisoner, who was 
defenseless. 

Arriving at Dixon, the officers placed their prisoner 
in a room of the tavern, and ordered fresh horses to be 
ready in five minutes. Joseph asked them if he could inter- 
view counsel, but was cruelly treated for his request. A 
man passed the window and the Prophet shouted to him to 
secure him a lawyer, for he was falsely imprisoned. Attorney 
Edward Southwick came to the door, but it was shut in his 
face, with a threat. Shepherd G. Patrick, another attorney, 
also came and was insulted in like manner. The neighbor- 
hood was soon aroused, and Mr. Dixon, owner of the house, 
with some friends surrounded the door and threatened vio- 
lence to the inhuman sheriffs if they did not alter their 
brutal course. This had a sobering effect upon them, and 
lawyers Southwick and Patrick came into the room. Presi- 
dent Smith showed them his bruised sides, and asked them 
to obtain a writ of habeas corpus. A messenger was sent 
by Mr. Dixon to Mr. Chamberlain, master-in-chancery, who 
lived some six miles away, and another messenger was 
sent for Attorney Cyrus Walker, who happened to be cam- 
paigning near that place. Walker, Whig" candidate for Con- 



346 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

gress, said he would come provided Joseph Smith would 
promise to vote for him, which the latter said he would do. 
This promise, Walker thought, would give him the united 
vote of the "Mormon" people, which would insure his 
election. About eight o'clock the master-in-chancery arrived 
and issued a writ of habeas corpus returnable before Judge 
John D. Caton, of the ninth judicial district, at Ottawa, 
which was served on Reynolds and Wilson. The same day 
William Clayton was sent by the Prophet to notify his 
brother Hyrum, and get assistance. 

Reynolds and Wilson Under Arrest. — Stephen Mark- 
ham went before a justice of the peace and obtained a 
warrant for Reynolds and Wilson for threatening his life. 
He later obtained other warrants from the circuit court 
of Lee County against them for threatening the life of 
Joseph Smith, and for false imprisonment, claiming ten 
thousand dollars -damages, on the ground that the writ is- 
sued by Governor Ford was a void writ in law. As they 
could not obtain bondsmen outside of Missouri, they were 
taken into custody by Sheriff Campbell of Lee County. They 
also obtained a writ of habeas corpus and under these cir- 
cumstances the entire party, including the lawyers and Mr. 
Dixon, started for Ottawa. 

President Joseph Smith's Discourse at Pawpaw 
Grove. — Saturday night, June 24, they arrived at Paw- 
paw Grove, thirty-two miles distant from Dixon, and the 
following morning the people assembled at the hotel and 
requested that the Prophet preach. To this Reynolds ob- 
jected, saying that Joseph Smith was his prisoner, and the 
people must disperse. They had witnessed his abuse of his 
prisoner, and a Mr. David Town, an aged gentleman, who 
was lame, advanced and gave Reynolds to understand that 
he could not interrupt gentlemen. Bringing his heavy walk- 
ing stick down with a thud, he said: 

"You Infernal puke, we'll learn you to come here 

and interrupt gentlemen. Sit down there (pointing to a 
very low chair), and sit still. Don't open your head til] 



ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE JOSEPH SMITH 347 

General Smith gets through talking. If you never learned 
manners in Missouri, we'll teach you that gentlemen are 
not to be imposed upon by a nigger-driver. You cannot 
kidnap men here, if you do in Missouri ; and if you attempt 
it here, there's a committee in this grove that will sit on 
your case; and, sir, it is the highest tribunal in the United 
States, as from its decision there is no appeal !" 

Reynolds very meekly and in fear took the seat while 
President Smith addressed the people for one hour and a 
half. 

The Issuing of New Writs. — It was learned that 

Judge Caton was in New York, so they all returned to 
Dixon, where new writs were obtained, made returnable 
before the nearest tribunal in the fifth judicial district, at 
Markham's request. Provision was now made to go to 
Quincy, where Judge Stephen A. Douglas was holding 
court. Twice on the way Reynolds and Wilson engaged in 
plots to raise mobs and carry Joseph Smith to the mouth 
of Rock River where there was a company from Missouri 
waiting to receive him ; but each time the plans were dis- 
covered and foiled. 

On the way Joseph convinced Sheriff Campbell and 
the attorneys that the court of Nauvoo was nearer than 
that of Quincy, and had full power to try his case, and 
hither they bent their way. Reynolds and Wilson endeavored 
to get Sheriff Campbell, who had them in custody, to gno by 
way of Rock River, to Quincy, not knowing that their plots 
were discovered, saying that they would never go through 
Nauvoo alive. Joseph Smith pledged his word of honor 
that they would not be molested, and the journey was re- 
sumed by land in the direction of Nauvoo. 

A Party to the Rescue. — William Clayton arrived in 

Nauvoo on Sunday, June 25, 1843, and at the afternoon 
meeting in the temple Hyrum Smith requested to see all 
the brethren. He informed them of his brother Joseph's ar- 
rest, and called for volunteers to go to his assistance. That 
evening a company of about one hundred and seventy-five 



348 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

men left on horseback. Wilson Law refused to go unless his 
expenses could be met, whereupon President Brigham 
Young went to work and raised seven hundred dollars by 
subscription. About seventy-five men on board the Maid of 
Iowa, under Captain Dan Jones, went down the Mississippi 
to the mouth of the Illinois River, thence up that river to- 
ward Peoria, to examine the steamboats, suspecting the 
Prophet might be forced on one of them to be carried down 
the river to Missouri. 

Shortly after the party with the Prophet left Geneseo on 
the 27th, the advance guard of the brethren, nine in all, 
from Nauvoo came up, and Reynolds and Wilson began to 
tremble fearing for their lives. Reynolds asked if "Jim" 
Flack was in the crowd. When he was informed that he 
would be present the next day, the criminal sheriff replied : 
"Then I am a dead man; for I know him of old." When 
Stephen Markham, who had gone to locate the brethren 
from Nauvoo, rode up, Reynolds said, "Do I meet you as 
a friend? I expected to be a dead man when I met you 
again," but he was assured that he would not be hurt. 
Thursday, June 29, James Flack with others of the breth- 
ren met the company a short distance south of Monmouth- 
President Joseph Smith took Flack to one side and charged 
him not to harm Reynolds, for he had given his word of 
honor that he would not be injured. This Flack promised 
to do although he had cause for vengeance. 

Arrival at Nauvoo. — Other bodies of men from Nau- 
voo joined the company from time to time and when they 
reached that place there were about one hundred and forty 
riding on horse back, who were joined by the populace in 
procession and thus they marched into the town. President 
Smith was greeted with cheers and the firing of cannon. 
He was still a prisoner in the hands of Reynolds and Wilson, 
and they in turn were prisoners in the hands of Sheriff 
Campbell. The Prophet took them to his house and placed 
Reynolds and Wilson at the head of the table, where about 
fifty persons were served, This was a very different re- 



ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE JOSEPH SMITH 349 

ception.from the one he had received from these men when 

they took him prisoner in Lee County, at the Wasson home. 

The Trial Before the Municipal Court. — The same 

day they arrived in Nauvoo the municipal court convened, 
and a requisition was made on Reynolds to return the writ, 
but he refused to recognize the summons, whereupon the 
Prophet petitioned the court for a writ of habeas corpus to 
be directed to Reynolds, commanding him to bring his pris- 
oner before the court. The summons was issued and 




III IU 



n i"Hi 



THE MANSION HOUSE 






Reynolds complied with the attachment and delivered the 
Prophet into the hands* of the marshal of the city- That 
afternoon President Smith addressed the people at great 
length, declaring that he would not peacefully submit again 
to such ill-treatment. While he was speaking Reynolds 
and Wilson with a lawyer named Davis, of Carthage, left 
for that place threatening to raise the militia and come 
again and take President Smith out of Nauvoo. 

Saturday, July 1, 1843, the court convened to examine 



350 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

the writ of habeas corpus. Messrs. Cyrus Walker, Shep- 
herd G. Patrick, Edward Southwick and a Mr. Backman. 
defended Joseph Smith while Attorney Mason was coun- 
selor for Reynolds. Witnesses were examined and the case 
tried on its merits, Hyrum Smith, Parley P. Pratt, Brig- 
ham Young, George W. Pitkin, Lyman Wight and Sid- 
ney Rigdon giving testimony, at the conclusion of which 
the prisoner was discharged. 

The Citizens of Lee County Thanked.— July 1, 1843, 
a mass meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo was held in the 
assembly hall and it was "unanimously resolved that Messrs. 
Sager and Dixon, of the town of Dixon, and the citizens of 
Dixon, Pawpaw Grove, and Lee County, receive the warm- 
est thanks for the firm patriotism, bold and decided stand 
taken against lawless outrage and the spirit of mobocracy, 
as manifested in the arrest or capture of General Joseph 
Smith, while on a visit to his friends in that district of 
country." 

Reynolds' Further Attempt to Obtain Joseph Smith. 
— The proceedings of the municipal court of Nauvoo in this 
case were promptly forwarded to Governor Ford, with 
affidavits from the attorneys and others bearing upon the 
case and the kindly treatment Reynolds and Wilson had 
received in Nauvoo. Jndge James Adams came from 
Carthage with the information that Reynolds and Wilson 
were exciting the people there to mobocracy, and petition- 
ing the governor for a posse forcibly to take Joseph Smith, 
on the grounds that he had been unlawfully taken out of 
their hands. A remonstrance against the Carthage pro- 
ceedings was prepared and forwarded to Carthage by 
Messrs. Southwick and Patrick, and a petition was sent to 
Governor Ford praying him not to issue any more writs. 

Governor Ford refused to comply with the request of 
Sheriff Reynolds, and subsequently, when Governor Rey- 
nolds of Missouri requested him to call out the militia; — 
a method they had of doing in Missouri — to retake Joseph 
Smith, Governor Ford replied that Joseph Smith had been 



ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE JOSEPH SMITH 351 

tried before the municipal court of Nauvoo on a writ of ha- 
beas corpus, and discharged from arrest. He, as governor, 
had fully executed the duty which the laws imposed, and had 
not "been resisted either in the writ issued for the arrest 
of Smith or in the person of the officer appointed to appre- 
hend him," and the constitution would not permit him to 
take such action, as the Missouri official proposed. 

The Case of O. P. Rockwell.— Orr in Porter Rock- 
well, who was accused as the principal in the shooting of 
ex-Governor Boggs, went into retirement with the Prophet 
when Governor Ford issued papers for his extradition. He 
traveled east as far as New Jersey where he remained for 
some time. Following the discharge of President Joseph 
Smith by Judge Pope, Rockwell concluded to return to 
Nauvoo, evidently by way of the Ohio and Mississippi 
Rivers. In St. Louis he was recognized by Elias Parker 
who had him placed under arrest, March 4, 1843. They 
carried him to Independence in chains, where he was placed 
under bonds in the sum of five thousand dollars, which 
they knew he could not raise, as no person outside of Mis- 
souri would be accepted by the court as bo-ndsman. In the 
custody of the notorious Joseph H. Reynolds, sheriff of 
Jackson County, he was cast into prison bound hand and 
foot. Here he remained a prisoner for eight months. 
March 15, 1843, the Prophet wrote: "I prophesied in the 
name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that Orrin Porter Rock- 
well would get away honorably from the Missourians." 

On Christmas evening, 1843 — the last Christmas day 
Joseph and Hyrum Smith celebrated on earth — a large 
party assembled at the Prophet's home, and spent the time 
in music, dancing and a social visit. During the festivities, 
a man with long shaggy hair, apparently drunk, came in 
and acted like a Missourian. A scuffle ensued and the 
Prophet had an opportunity to see the stranger's face. To 
his great surprise and joy he discovered his "long-tried, 
warm, but cruelly persecuted friend, Orrin Porter Rock- 



352 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

well." The party came to order while Rockwell related 
in detail his experiences and sufferings while in Missouri. 

Orrin P. Rockwell's Story. — The story is too long 
to tell in full at this point. It is sufficient to relate the 
following incidents. When he arrived in Independence a 
large crowd had gathered and suggested • hanging him at 
once, but he was placed in jail. In two or three days he 
underwent a mock trial, where false witnesses testified 
against him. The magistrate said he found no evidence 
against him, but placed him in prison for safe keeping, 
where Sheriff Reynolds chained him hand and foot. One 
time he was able to escape, but was recaptured and only 
by the providence of the Lord was saved from being 
hanged. About the time that President Smith was de- 
manded by the governor of Missouri, Reynolds, the sheriff, 
came to Rockwell and said that he had discovered from 
letters that Joseph Smith had unlimited confidence in Rock- 
well, and if Rockwell would only "tote him out by riding 
or any other way," so that the Missourians might apprehend 
him, Rockwell might please himself whether he stayed in 
Illinois or returned to Missouri, they would protect him, 
and any pile that he would name the citizens of Jackson 
County, would club together and raise. "You only deliver 
Joe Smith into our hands, and name your pile." Rockwell 
replied : "I will see you all damned first, and then I won't." 

The time of further trial was continually delayed, but 
on the 13th of December, he was taken before the court and 
tried — not on the charge of shooting Boggs, but for break- 
ing jail! He was found guilty and sentenced to "five 
minutes' imprisonment in the county jail," but was kept 
there five hours, while his enemies tried to think of some 
other charge to make against him. He was finally released 
and with great difficulty made his way to Nauvoo, where 
he arrived that Christmas night- 



CHAPTER 34 

JOSEPH SMITH'S CANDIDACY FOR PRESIDENT 

— NAUVOO CONSPIRACY 

1843—1844 

Threats of the Mob. — Following the unsuccessful 
attempt to carry President Joseph Smith into Missouri, the 
hatred of his enemies became intense. Lying accusations 
were published in anti-" Mormon" papers and circulated 
against the Saints. Threats were made, both in Missouri 
and Illinois, of mob attacks and the legion was kept in 
readiness to withstand any mob assault. The governor was 
apprised of these conditions from time to time, and pe- 
titioned for protection, but refused to give credence to the 
rumors, or take any measures to repel any proposed in- 
vasion. This attitude increased the boldness of the enemies 
of the Saints, who declared, in reference to the governor, 
should he attempt to protect the "Mormons" in their rights : 
"If he opens his head we will punch a hole through him! 
He dare not speak ! We will serve him the same sauce we 
will the 'Mormons !' " 

Growth of Nauvoo. — Through the gathering of con- 
verts from Great Britain as well as from various parts of 
the United States, Nauvoo had become the foremost city of 
Illinois. It had risen from a swamp and wilderness in 1839, 
to a commonwealth of some twenty thousand souls. The 
people were frugal, industrious and law-abiding. Many 
factories had been established, and measures were on foot, 
at the suggestion of President Smith, to dam the Mississippi 
for water power purposes. He also suggested that Congress 
be petitioned to build a canal around the Des Moines rapids 
to admit of the passage of boats for commercial purposes- 
He instructed the Saints to be producers and to manu- 
facture from the raw materials, rather than to be con- 



«Such a canal was built, and completed in 1877, at a cost to 
the government of more than four million dollars. 
24 



354 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



sumers only, and under his direction and inspiration the 
city prospered. 

Jealousy of Other Towns. — All this augmented the 

jealousy and hatred of the neighboring towns, where thrift 
and unity were lacking. Another thing that increased the 




MAP OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS 



JOSEPH SMITH'S CANDIDACY 355 

opposition, especially of the politicians, was the fact that 
the Saints usually voted as a unit. It was this tendency 
which caused Cyrus Walker to seek the favor of Joseph 
Smith in the summer of 1843. However, the voting of the 
"Mormons" in this manner was not due to instruction from 
the leading councils of the Church, but from necessity and 
for self-preservation. Both the Whig and the Democratic 
office-seekers sought the support of the Saints, and when 
it was not forthcoming, hatred filled their breasts, and 
vengeance was threatened. The constant arrival of im- 
migrants, who were instructed to gather at Nauvoo, was 
also looked upon as an attempt to lay plans to control the 
state. So strong were the Latter-day Saints that they held 
the balance of power in the elections and naturally threw 
their support to those most friendly to them, which aroused 
the animosities of their opponents to a murderous degree. 

In the August (1843) election Robert D. Foster and 
George W. Thatcher were elected to county offices. They 
went to Carthage to give bonds and take their oaths and 
were threatened by Harmon T. Wilson and some fifteen 
or twenty others, who were armed with knives and pistols. 
The bonds, however, were accepted, and the mob gave 
notice of a meeting of anti-" Mormons" to consider the 
question of the "Mormons" holding office. At their meet- 
ing they made all manner of accusations and threats, stat- 
ing that they "pledge themselves in the most determined 
manner" to aid Missouri should another demand be made 
for Joseph Smith, which gave encouragement to the 
enemies of the Saints within that state. 

Near the close of the year 1843, they openly resorted 
to mob violence. Daniel Avery and his son Philander, were 
kidnapped and delivered to the Missourians. On false 
accusations they were imprisoned and brutally treated for 
some time. The son finally made his escape and the father 
was later released on habeas corpus proceedings. 

Joseph Smith and the Presidency of the United 
States. — From the time of the organization of the Church 






356 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

the Saints had suffered most cruelly at the hands of 
enemies. Governors and lesser state dignitaries, had aided 
in the persecutions. No redress, even from the government 
of the United States, could be obtained. Mobs still menaced 
them, and their chances for protection by lawful means 
were not the best, for the governor of Illinois was intimi- 
dated by mob threats. It was agreed, therefore, to inquire 
of the various candidates for the presidency of the United 
States what their feelings would be, if elected, towards the 
Latter-day Saints, and their course of action in relation to 
the cruel oppression the Saints had suffered. Accordingly 
letters were sent to the leading candidates. Only two, 
Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, deigned to make reply- 
Their answers were so unsatisfactory that the "Mormon" 
people decided they could vote for neither of them. Clay 
replied that if he ever entered that high office he must go 
into it free and unfettered, with no guarantees but such as 
were to be drawn from his whole life, character and con- 
duct, although he had sympathized with the Saints in their 
sufferings under injustice. Calhoun was more frank, stat- 
ing that the case of the Saints in Missouri, candor com- 
pelled him to say, "did not come within the jurisdiction of 
the Federal Government, which is one of limited and spe- 
cific powers." 

Under these conditions the citizens of Nauvoo felt that 
the only consistent step they could take was to place their 
own candidate in the field. Consequently, at a political con- 
vention held in Nauvoo, January 29, 1844, Joseph Smith 
was nominated as a candidate for the presidency of the 
United States, and on May 17, a state convention was held 
in Nauvoo where his nomination was sustained. There 
was no thought on the part of President Joseph Smith or 
the Saints that he would be elected, but it gave to them an 
opportunity to express their feelings, and to sustain a 
candidate who would advocate their rights against op- 
pression. In the Times and Seasons (Feb. 15) an editorial 
was published entitled: "Who Shall be our Next President?" 



JOSEPH SMITH'S CANDIDACY 357 

in which the reasons for selecting their own candidate were 
clearly and emphatically stated by the editor (John Taylor) 
in behalf of the Latter-day Saints. 

James Arlington Bennett, of New York, was asked to 
become their candidate for the vice-presidency, but as he 
was born in Ireland, was not eligible. Sidney Rigdon, who 
had moved from Nauvoo to Pittsburg — contrary to revela- 
tion and to the feelings of the Prophet — was selected for 
that place. 

Views on the Powers and Policy of the Government. 

— 'In February, 1844, Joseph Smith published to the world 
his "Views on the Powers and Policy of the Government of 
the United States." After speaking of the greatness and 
glory of the United States under the early presidents he 
says that " 'since the fathers have fallen asleep,' wicked 
and designing men have unrobed the government of its 
glory/' He advocated the reduction of the number of con- 
gressmen by two-thirds; the pardoning of prisoners in state 
prisons ; the making of laws to provide for useful employ- 
ment of prisoners on roads, public works or elsewhere, where 
they may be taught more wisdom and more virtue, and only 
murderers should be confined or put to death. He would turn 
the prisons into seminaries of learning; and petition the 
inhabitants of the slave states to abolish slavery by 1850, 
or before, "and save the abolitionist from reproach and 
ruin, infamy and shame." This should be done by Congress 
paying every man a reasonable price for his slaves out of 
the revenue from the sale of public lands, and deducted pay 
from members of Congress, that liberty may be granted to 
all men. He would abolish the practice of trying men by 
court martial for desertion, and if a man deserts send him 
his pay with instructions that his country will never trust 
him more and that he has forfeited his honor- Make honor 
the standard with all men; render good for evil, "and the 
whole nation, like a kindgom of kings and priests, will rise 
up in righteousness." He advocated more economy; less 
taxes; greater equality, and less distinction among the 



358 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

people. Also the establishment of a national bank, with 
branches in each state and territory, the net revenue there- 
from to be applied to government interests. The presi- 
dent should have full power to send an army to suppress 
mobs, and there should be a repeal of the requirement for 
governors to petition the president for troops in cases of 
invasion or rebellion. A governor himself may be a mob- 
ber and power should be given the president to protect citi- 
zens in such an event. Oregon, by right, and with the con- 
sent of the Indian, should belong to the United States, and 
he would invite Texas, Canada, Mexico, to join the sons of 
liberty, and let the Union spread. 

Such, in brief, is the platform of Joseph Smith, and when 
it was circulated throughout the United States, it created 
much commotion and favorable comment for its direct and 
fearless advocacy of principles which other candidates, for 
policy's sake, dared not express. 

The Contemplated Expedition to the West.— The 
rising tide of persecution portended a repetition of the cruel 
Missouri scenes. President Joseph Smith knew full well, 
even in the face of continued urging of the Saints to build 
Nauvoo and make her towers glorious, that the time would 
come when they would have to seek a new home in the 
wilderness. The prophecy of August 6, 1842, had stamped 
this fact upon the minds of others, and the Prophet had re- 
ferred to it from time to time. He records in his history 
under date of February 20, 1844, the following: 

"I instructed the Twelve Apostles to send out a delega- 
tion and investigate the locations of California and Oregon, 
and hunt out a good location, where we can remove to after 
the temple is completed, and where we can build a city in a 
day, and have a government of our own, get up into the 
mountains, where the devil cannot dig us out, and live in 
a healthful climate, where we can live as old as we have 
a mind to." 

The next day another meeting was held in the mayor's 
office, in Nauvoo, most of the twelve were present, and 
Jonathan Dunham, Phineas H. Young, David D. Yearsley, 



JOSEPH SMITH'S CANDIDACY 359 

and David Fullmer, volunteered to go. Alphonzo Young, 
James Emmett, George D. Watt and Daniel Spencer were 
requested to go, and another meeting was called to meet 
on February 23, to further discuss matters pertain- 
ing to this expedition. On that date President Smith and 
the twelve met again. Patriarch Hyrum Smith and Sidney 
Rigdon were also present. The Prophet instructed them 
saying he wanted an exploration of all the mountain coun- 
try. Perhaps it would be best for them to go by way of 
Santa Fe. "Send twenty-five men," he said, "let them 
preach the Gospel wherever they go. Let that man go that 
can raise $500, a good horse and mule a double-barrel 
gun, one barrel rifle and the other smooth bore, a saddle 
and bridle, a pair of revolving pistols, bowie-knife, and a 
good sabre. Appoint a leader and let them beat up for 
volunteers. I want every man that goes to b* a king and a 
priest. When he gets on the mountains he may want to 
talk with his God ; when with the savage nations, have power 
to govern. If we don't get volunteers, wait till after the 
election." On this occasion, Samuel Bent, Joseph A. Kelt- 
ing, Samuel Rolf, Daniel Avery and Samuel W. Richards 
were added to the expedition and others joined from time 
to time- Sunday, February 25, the Prophet predicted that 
within five years the Saints would be out of the power of 
their old enemies, whether they were apostate or of the 
world, and commanded the brethren to write it down "that 
when it comes to pass they need not say they had forgotten 
the saying." 

Memorial to Congress. — March 26, 1844, a memorial 

was prepared by President Joseph Smith asking Congress 
to pass an ordinance for the protection of citizens of the 
United States emigrating to the territories and that in- 
definite country known as California and Oregon. He 
asked for authorization to raise a company of one hundred 
thousand volunteers, at such times and places as he might 
find necessary for this purpose. At this time Oregon was 
a disputed territory, unsettled, and held by the United 



360 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

States and Great Britain jointly by treaty. Texas was 
asking for admission into the United States, but had been 
denied. Orson Pratt and John E. Page and later Orson 
Hyde, were sent to Washington to urge the consideration 
of the scheme. Most of the Illinois delegation favored it. 
For political reasons no official action was ever taken, but 
the general sentiment of the politicians, who were afraid 
to act openly, was in favor of the proposition. 

Traitors From Within. — It was not so much from 

Missouri and among the mobocrats of Illinois, that the 
Prophet had cause to fear, but from traitors within the coun- 
cils of the Church. In the highest quorums, men were 
found who secretly plotted against his life. He remarked in 
a discourse in October of 1843 : "This generation is as cor-, 
rupt as the generation of the Jews that crucified Christ; 
and if he were here today, and should preach the same doc- 
trine he did to them they would put him to death. I defy 
all the world to destroy the work of God; and I prophesy 
they never will have power to kill me till my work is ac- 
complished, and I am ready to die." In January, 1844, it 
became necessary to increase the police force for the pro- 
tection of the city. Joseph Smith, as mayor, addressed these 
newly appointed officers of the peace, and instructed them in 
their duties. In the course of his remarks he said : 

"I am exposed to far greater danger from traitors among 
ourselves than from enemies without, although my life has 
been sought for many years by the civil and military 
authorities, priests, and people of Missouri; and if I can 
escape from the ungrateful treachery of assassins, I can 
live as Caesar might have lived, were it not for a right- 
hand Brutus. I have had pretended friends betray me. All 
the enemies upon the face of the earth may roar and exert 
all their power to bring about my death, but they can ac- 
complish nothing, unless some who are among us and en- 
joy our society, have been with us in our councils, par- 
ticipated in our confidence, taken us by the hand, called us 
ibrother, saluted us with a kiss, join with our enemies, turn 
our virtues into faults, and, by falsehood and deceit, stir 



JOSEPH SMITH'S CANDIDACY 361 

up their wrath and indignation against us, and bring their 
united vengeance upon our heads. All the hue-and-cry of 
the chief priests and elders against the Savior, could not 
bring down the wrath of the Jewish nation upon his head, 
and thereby cause the crucifixion of the Son of God, until 
Judas said unto them, 'Whomsoever I shall kiss, he is the 
man; hold him fast.' Judas was one of the Twelve Apos- 
tles, even their treasurer, and dipt with their Master in the 
dish, and through his treachery, the crucifixion was brought 
about ; and we have a Judas in our midst." 

"The Wicked Flee." — These remarks gave offense to 

William and Wilson Law, William Marks, Leonard Soby, 
Dr. Foster and others. William Law was the Prophet's 
second counselor, and his brother had been honored with 
the position of major general of the Nauvoo Legion, and 
was also prominent in the Church. William Marks was 
president of the Nauvoo Stake of Zion. Commenting on 
their fears, President Joseph Smith stated: "What can be 
the matter with these men? Is it that the wicked flee when 
no man pursueth * * * or that Presidents Law and 
Marks are absolutely traitors to the Church, that my re- 
marks should produce such excitement in their minds? 
Can it be possible that the traitor whom Porter Rock- 
well reports to me as being in correspondence with my 
Missouri enemies is one of my quorum ? b The people in the 
town are astonished, almost every man saying to his neigh- 
bor, Ts it possible that Brother Law or Marks is a traitor, 
and would deliver Brother Joseph into the hands of his 
enemies in Missouri? If not what can be the meaning of 
all this? The righteous are bold as a lion." 

Councils of Apostates. — It soon developed that some 
of these men were secretly plotting the death of the Prophet 
and the destruction of the Church, claiming that he had 
fallen from his high and holy calling. Among them were 
those who had been tinctured by the wickedness of John 
C. Bennett, from which they did not recover. Others had 

frit was later discovered that William Lav/ was in league 
with the Missounans, 



362 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

been guilty of immoral conduct within more recent months 
and had been exposed. Their vengeance was directed against 
President Joseph Smith towards whom they now entertained 
a murderous spirit. 

Experience of Scott and Harris. — In the spring of 
1844, a number of secret meetings were held by these con- 
spirators, to which all whom they could trust among the 
disaffected spirits, were invited. Two young men, Denison 
L. Harris and Robert Scott, the latter living with the fam- 
ily of William Law, were invited to attend. Young Harris 
was also asked to invite his father, Emer Harris. The 
boys pondered over the invitation and then consulted with 
Emer Harris, who concluded to lay the matter before Presi- 
dent Joseph Smith. After hearing the story the Prophet 
advised the father to stay away, but said he would like to 
have the boys attend, but they must first receive some ad- 
vice from him. As they were instructed, they attended the 
first two meetings and each time made their report to the 
Prophet. These gatherings were given over to abuse and 
falsehood affecting President Smith, and the discussion of 
future plans. When the young men reported the sec- 
ond time Joseph was in doubt whether they should 
go again and ask them to visit him for further in- 
structions just before the third meeting, which, like 
the others, was to be held on the Sabbath day. When 
the time came he said to them : "This will be the last time 
that they will admit you into their councils. They will come 
to some determination, but be sure that you make no cove- 
nant, nor enter into any obligations whatever with them." 
Arriving at the place of meeting the young men were as- 
tonished to see it guarded by men with muskets, and after 
due scrutiny they were admitted. In the meeting the Prophet 
and his brother Hyrum and others were accused of the 
most wicked acts. Joseph was called a fallen prophet, and 
his death was said to be necessary to save the Church. An 
oath had been prepared which each member present was 
required to take. The candidate would step forward to the 



JOSEPH SMITH'S CANDIDACY 363 

table, where Francis M. Higbee, a justice of the peace, 
was stationed, and he would ask: "Are you ready ?" Re- 
ceiving a favorable reply he administered the following oath : 

"You solemnly swear, before God and all holy angels, 
and these your brethren by whom you are surrounded thai 
you will give your life, your liberty, your influence, your 
all, for the destruction of Joseph Smith and his party, so 
help you God!" 

The person being sworn would then say "I do," after 
which he would lay down the Bible on which the oath was 
taken, and sign his name to a written copy of the oath in a 
book, which would then be acknowledged by the justice of 
the peace. 

The boys sat in amazement wondering how these men, 
formerly faithful in the councils of the Church, could fall 
so low. In this manner the oath was administered to about two 
hundred, among whom were three women, heavily veiled. 

Their Lives Threatened. — Presently the turn for the 
two youths came to take the pledge, and they both man- 
fully refused, stating that Joseph Smith had done them no 
harm and they were too young to understand these things. 
This aroused the anger of the conspirators, and when coax- 
ing and argument failed, they threatened them with death. 
"Come boys," they said, "do as we have done. You are 
young, and will not have anything to do in the affair, but 
we want you should keep it a secret, and act with us ; that's 
all." "No," they replied, "we cannot take an oath like 
that against any man who has never done us any injury." 
They tried to pass out, but one of the band stopped them 

saying: "No, not by a ! You know all our plans and 

arrangements, and we don't propose that you should leave 
in that style. You've got to take the oath, or you'll never 
leave here alive." The boys were surrounded by these evil 
conspirators, who with drawn swords and knives, were de- 
termined to take their lives. The leaders, no less determined, 
concluded that the deed of blood could not be committed 
there, as the house was too near the street. So the young 
men were taken to the cellar and preparations were made for 






364 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

their murder. At this point, however, as if by an act of 
Providence, someone spoke up and said it was evidently 
known by the parents of these boys that they were there, 
and if they did not return a search would be put on foot 
that might prove to be very dangerous to the plotters. The 
result was that after some consultation they were released, 
with a strict injunction, and many threats, not to reveal to 
any one what they had heard, or they would be killed, and 
under a guard they were permitted to depart. They im- . 
mediately took their course towards the river in the oppo- 
site direction from their homes, conveying the impression to 
their enemies by word and act, that they would keep their 
secret. On the river bank they met the Prophet and an 
elder brother of Robert Scott, and to them they told their 
story ( Contributor, Vol. 5:25). 

On the 27th day of March, 1844, Abiathar B. Williams 
and M. G. Eaton, each made affidavit before Daniel H. 
Wells, justice of the peace, confirming the story of these 
young men, and implicating Chauncy L. Higbee, Robert D. 
Foster, Joseph H. Jackson and Wilson and William Law, as 
the leaders among the plotters. Shortly afterwards (April 
18, 1844) the two Laws and Robert D. Foster, were ex- 
communicated from the Church. Others prominent in this 
conspiracy were Austin Cowles, Francis M. Higbee, Charles 
Ivins and Charles A. Foster. 

Apostates Attempt to Organize a Church. — An at- 
tempt was made by these apostates to organize a church 
of their own, patterned after the Church of Christ, with 
William Law at the head. Their following was small and 
the attempt was a failure. They soon joined hands openly 
with the most bitter enemies of the Saints and aided them 
in all their anti-"Mormon" persecutions. They advocated 
the repeal of the Nauvoo Charter; insulted the officers of 
the city and maliciously violated the ordinances, endeavor- 
ing to bring the city into ill-repute. Their evil deeds they 
laid at the door of others, and with lying tongues made 
brutal accusations against the innocent, and openly threat- 
ened the life of the Prophet, 



JOSEPH SMITH'S CANDIDACY 365 

Plot to Kill Joseph Smith.— May 25, 1844, William 

Law, Robert D. Foster and Joseph H. Jackson, had Joseph 
Smith indicted at Carthage on the charge of polygamy 
and perjury. Two days later Joseph left for Carthage, ac- 
companied by a number of his friends, and voluntarily gave 
himself up for trial. He secured legal assistance and en- 
deavored to have his case tried, but the opposition insisted 
on the case going over until the next term of court. On the 
way to Carthage, Charles A. Foster overtook the Prophet 
and his company, and had some conversation. When they 
reached their destination Foster called Joseph Smith aside 
and informed him of a conspiracy against his life. His 
brother Robert D., with tears in his eyes, also said there 
were persons there who had planned to kill the Prophet be- 
fore he left that town. The spark of repentance kindled 
in their breasts, however, soon died out, and these two men 
again banded with the conspirators in Nauvoo, to bring to 
pass the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. 

The "Nauvoo Expositor." — To better advance their 

malicious course, the conspirators of Nauvoo procured a 
press and proposed the publishing of a paper to be called 
the Nauvoo Expositor. The object of the paper, as set 
forth in the prospectus was, to advocate "the unconditional 
repeal of the Nauvoo City Charter, to restrain and cor- 
rect the abuses of the unit power, to ward off the iron rod 
which is held over the devoted heads of the citizens of 
Nauvoo * * * to advocate an unmitigated disobedi- 
ence to political revelations, and to censure and decry gross 
moral imperfections wherever found, either in plebeian, 
patrician or self-constituted Monarch — to advocate the pure 
principles of morality." In plain words to attack the Church 
and destroy the protection of the Saints guaranteed by the 
Charter of Nauvoo. 

The first and only number of the Expositor appeared 
June 7, 1844, filled with vile and malicious slanders against 
the Prophet and the leading citizens of Nauvoo. In attack- 
ing the charter, these wicked conspirators knew they were 






366 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

taking a course which would gain them the sympathy and 
aid of all the enemies of the Church, as nothing else could 
do. The charter, with its liberal provisions, had aroused 
the hatred of anti-"Mormons" because it prevented their 
sinister and diabolical designs. These same evil actors had 
lived under the charter from the beginning, and had been 
loud in its praise and defense, until Satan entered their 
hearts and their minds became darkened. They knew that 
the Latter-day Saints, without the charter would be a prey 
to their enemies, and at the mercy of their apostate perse- 
cutors, the small minority of the population, who could wreak 
vengeance upon their former brethren without restraint. 

The circulation of the first number of this paper filled 
the hearts of the people with righteous indignation. Their 
liberty was attacked, their lives threatened, and the pros- 
pect, from the circulation of falsehoods within their city, 
and bitter hatred without, was another expulsion from their 
homes. Were they to submit peaceably to such attacks? 

The Expositor Declared a Nuisance. — At a meeting 
of the city council held June 10, after full consideration, 
the Expositor was declared a public nuisance and was 
ordered to be abated. The city marshal John P. Greene was 
instructed to proceed to the printing office and carry out 
the order of the council. Taking with him a few men he 
proceeded to inform the proprietors of his mission and de- 
manded entrance into the building which was denied. With 
little effort he opened the door, pied the type, carried out 
the press and burned the printed papers that were found. 
He then reported to the mayor who immediately forwarded 
an account of the proceeding to the governor of Illinois. 

In a rage the conspirators set fire to the building and 
hastened to Carthage, stating that their lives were in danger 
and they had been driven from their homes. The fire was 
discovered and extinguished before any damage had been 
done, but the falsehoods circulated aroused the people of 
Carthage and other towns. Indignation meetings were held 
and mobs began to gather under arms. 



CHAPTER 35 

THE MARTYRDOM 
1844 

Charge of Francis M. Higbee. — June 11, 1844, Francis 
M. Higbee made complaint before Thomas Morrison, a jus- 
tice of the peace at Carthage, charging Joseph Smith and 
the members of the Nauvoo city council with riot committed 
in destroying the press of the Expositor. The warrant was 
served by Constable David Bettisworth the following day. 
It required that the accused should go before the justice is- 
suing the warrant, "or some other justice of the peace, for 
trial." The Prophet expressed his willingness to go before 
some other justice, as he had lawful right to do, but was 
not willing to be taken to Carthage to be tried before his 
mobocratic enemies. Bettisworth, in anger, declared that 
he would take him to Carthage. His attention was called 
to the nature of the warrant and that his actions were con- 
trary to law, and with righteous indignation Joseph Smith 
obtained a writ of habeas corpus and was legally tried be- 
fore the municipal court of Nauvoo and discharged. Each 
of the members of the city council did the same, and were 
likewise discharged. 

Anger of the Mob. — When Bettisworth returned to 

Carthage without his prisoners, the disappointment of the 
mobocrats was intense, and they threatened to go against 
Nauvoo in force. Indignation meetings were held in War- 
saw and Carthage, and inflammatory speeches were made 
against the Saints. The assembled mobbers in each place 
adopted resolutions in which they said, "We hold ourselves 
at all times in readiness to co-operate with our fellow-citi- 
zens in this state, Missouri and Iowa, to exterminate, ut- 
terly exterminate, the wicked and abominable 'Mormon' 
leaders, the authors of our troubles." All members of the 
Church, or sympathizers with Joseph Smith, were warned 






368 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

to leave these townships on pain of instant vengeance. A 
deputation was sent by them to the governor, stating that 
Joseph Smith and others had refused to obey the mandate 
of the writ, and with other falsehoods they attempted to 
prejudice him in their favor. The minutes of these unlaw- 
ful and wicked proceedings were published in the Warsaw 
Signal and other papers of the state. 

The Saints Threatened. — The Saints also sent mes- 
sengers to the governor with full and correct accounts of 
the proceedings at Nauvoo, and asking for protection. In 
the meantime, without waiting for the governor's reply, 
the mob forces commenced their brutal attacks upon the 
Saints residing outside of Nauvoo, threatening them with 
destruction unless they immediately accepted one of the 
following propositions : Deny Joseph Smith as a Prophet 
of God and join the mob in securing his arrest; gather up 
their effects and move to Nauvoo; or give up their arms 
and remain quiet until the affair was over. Runners were 
dispatched to Missouri for aid from the mobbers there, 
and the whole country was inflamed by the spread of dia- 
bolical falsehoods. 

Advice of Judge Thomas. — The Prophet did every- 
thing in his power to allay excitement and kept the governor 
posted with numerous affidavits and documents regarding 
the state of affairs. Judge Jesse B. Thomas, of the circuit 
court, advised the Prophet to go before some justice of the 
peace in the county and have an examination on the writ 
issued by Morrison, which action would take away all ex- 
cuse of the mob, and then he could take steps to have them 
bound to keep the peace. For his pains, Judge Thomas was 
threatened by the mob with a coat of tar and feathers. The 
Prophet accepted his advice and was tried before Justice 
Daniel H. Wells, a non-"Mormon," and after a full investi- 
gation was discharged. His enemies knew that this trial 
was lawful, as the previous one had been ; but they were de- 
termined not to be thwarted in their wicked purpose. They 
thirsted for the blood of the Prophet and were determined to 



THE MARTYRDOM 369 

drag him to Carthage, with or without process of law, there 
to slay him. A mass meeting was held in Nauvoo, pacific 
resolutions were adopted, and messengers chosen to go 
forth in the surrounding country to declare the truth and 
allay excitement; but the prejudice was too great and 
little was accomplished. 

Nauvoo Under Martial Law. — Because of threats of 

mob vengeance from both Missouri and Illinois information 
was sent to President Tyler of the United States, acquaint- 
ing him with the danger and asking for protection. Nauvoo 
was placed under martial law, and the legion mustered into 
service in self-defense. The Prophet stood before them in 
his uniform as lieutenant-general and addressed them at 
length, in defense of their liberties. In the course of his 
remarks he said: 

"It is thought by some that our enemies would be sat- 
isfied by my destruction, but I tell you as soon as they 
have shed my blood, they will thirst for the blood of every 
man in whose heart dwells a single spark of the spirit of 
the fulness of the Gospel. The opposition of these men is 
moved by the spirit of the adversary of all righteousness. 
It is not only to destroy me, but every man and woman who 
dares believe the doctrines that God hath inspired me to 
teach to this generation. " 

Appeal to the Governor for Protection. — On June 16, 

Joseph wrote Governor Ford, calling his attention to the 
mob meetings at Carthage and Warsaw, and the threats 
made to exterminate the Saints. He requested the governor 
to come to Nauvoo to make further investigation, and 
to quell insurrection. Instead of going to Nauvoo, Governor 
Ford went to Carthage, and sent word to Nauvoo that he 
was there in the interest of peace, and asked that well- 
informed and discreet persons be sent to him. Elders John 
Taylor and Dr. John M. Bernhisel were immediately sent 
to Carthage; but to their surprise and disappointment they 
found the governor surrounded by some of the worst 
element in Illinois. The Laws, Fosters and Higbees, with 

25 



370 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Joseph H. Jackson, an adventurer and murderer, the pub- 
lishers of the Expositor, had his ear. Elders Taylor and 
Bernhisel could not get an interview with the governor 
except in the presence of these vicious enemies who had 
pledged themselves to bring to pass the death of Joseph 
and Hyrum Smith. As they told their side of the story 
they were constantly interrupted by this rabble with, 

"that's a lie;" and other unseemly epithets of like 

character. The governor treated them very rudely, show- 
ing that he was under the influence of the mob. He 
stated that Joseph Smith and the members of the city 
council should come to Carthage to be tried on the original 
writ as nothing short of that would satisfy the people. 
When the messengers protested because of the murderous 
spirit of the mob, the governor strenuously advised that 
they come without arms and pledged his faith that they 
should be protected. He also sent a written communication 
to Joseph Smith, in which he said the city council, in de- 
stroying the Expositor press, had committed a gross out- 
rage upon the laws and liberty of the people. He ignored 
the trial before the municipal court and also that before 
Daniel H. Wells, justice of the peace, demanding that all 
who were accused should submit themselves "to be ar- 
rested by the same constable, by virtue of the same war- 
rant, and be tried before the same magistrate whose author- 
ity has heretofore been resisted. Nothing short of this can 
vindicate the dignity of violated law and allay the just 
excitement of the people." Governor Ford, must have 
blushed with shame when he penned these lines, for he 
knew he was violating his oath of office and declaring an 
untruth, for the sake of finding favor with the mob. If 
his demand was not complied with he threatened to come 
with sufficient force to execute his order. "You know the 
excitement of the public mind," he said. "Do not tempt 
it too far. A very little matter may do a very great in- 
jury; and if you are disposed to continue the causes of 
excitement and render a force necessary to coerce sub- 



THE MARTYRDOM 



371 



mission, I would say that your city was built, as it were, 
upon a keg of powder which a very little spark may ex- 
plode." "And I will," he continued, "also guarantee the 
safety of all such persons as may thus be brought to this 
place from Nauvoo either for trial or as witnesses for the 
accused." 






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PROCLAMATION ISSUED BY JOSEPH SMITH 



372 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

The same day (June 22) the Prophet respectfully re- 
plied to this cravenly penned communication, defending 
his course and denying the false accusations contained 
in the governor's letter. He called attention to the prom- 
ises made in Missouri, but when witnesses came they were 
cast into prison, and since "a burnt child dreads the fire," 
they were not to be blamed if they refused to place them- 
selves in the hands of a blood-thirsty mob openly making 
threats to take their lives. The Prophet expressed a will- 
ingness to go before any other justice in the state, except 
at Carthage, or before the circuit court, but did not feel 
legally bound to go to Carthage to be butchered. 

The governor's letter to Joseph Smith caused no small 
surprise among the Saints. It was evident that they could 
not look to him for help, for he had joined himself en- 
tirely with their enemies. He had ignored the law; re- 
fused to recognize the legality of the courts, and the right 
of a fair and impartial trial before an unpredjudiced judge 
and jury. 

Hyrum Refuses to Leave his Brother. — So serious had 
the matter become that a letter was sent to President 
Brigham Young and the apostles who were in the mission 
field, instructing them to return to Nauvoo at once. The 
Prophet had previously (June 20) advised his brother 
Hyrum to take his family and go at once by steamboat to 
Cincinnati. Hyrum replied : "J ose P n > I can't leave you," 
whereupon Joseph remarked to his brethren, "I wish I 
could get Hyrum out of the way, so that he may live to 
avenge my blood, and I will stay with you and see it out." 

The Proposed Journey to the West. — In the after- 
noon of June 22, Joseph was in consultation with Hyrum 
Smith, John Taylor, Willard Richards and Dr. John M. 
Bernhisel, when it was decided that he should go to Wash- 
ington and lay the whole difficulty before President Tyler. 
At dusk another consultation was held, when the Prophet 
called these same brethren and William W. Phelps, Abra- 
ham C. Hodge, John L. Butler, Alpheus Cutler and Wil- 



THE MARTYRDOM 373 

Ham Marks, to his office in his upper room. The gov- 
ernor's letter was read and the Prophet said, "There is 
no mercy — no mercy here." Hyrum said, "No ; just as 
sure as we fall into their hands we are dead men." Joseph 
replied, "Yes: what shall we do, Brother Hyrum?" Hyrum 
replied, "I don't know." All at once the Prophet's coun- 
tenance brightened up and he said, "The way is open. It 
is clear to my mind what to do. All they want is Hyrum 
and myself ; then tell everybody to go about their business, 
and not to collect in groups, but to scatter about. There 
is no doubt they will come here and search for us. Let 
them search ; they will not harm you in person or property, 
and not even a hair of your head. We will cross the river 
tonight, and go away to the West." On this date Joseph 
wrote : "I told Stephen Markham that if Hyrum and I were 
ever taken again we should be massacred, or I was not a 
prophet of God. I want Hyrum to live to avenge my 
blood, but he is determined not to leave me." 

Between nine and ten o'clock Hyrum Smith came out 
of the Mansion House and gave his hand to Reynolds 
Cahoon, saying, "A company of men are seeking to kill 
my brother Joseph, and the Lord has warned him to flee 
to the Rocky Mountains to save his life. Good-bye, 
Brother Cahoon, we shall see you again." A few minutes 
later, as Joseph, Hyrum and Willard Richards were wait- 
ing on the river bank, William W. Phelps was instructed 
to take the families of the Prophet and Patriarch to Cin- 
cinnati. About midnight the three brethren were rowed 
across the river by Orrin P. Rockwell, who returned with 
instructions to obtain horses and pass them over the river 
the next night secretly, and be ready to start for the Great 
Basin in the Rockv Mountains. 

The Governor's Threat. — At ten o'clock on the morn- 
ing of the 23rd the governor's posse arrived in Nauvoo to 
arrest the Prophet, but not finding him they returned, 
leaving one of their number to watch for him. This 
posse said that if Joseph and Hyrum Smith were not given 



374 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

up the governor was determined to send his troops into 
the city and guard it until they were found, if it took 
three years. 

Joseph Smith Accused of Cowardice. — At one p.m. 
Emma Smith sent Orrin P. Rockwell to entreat the Prophet 
to come back. Reynolds Cahoon accompanied him with a 
letter to the same effect. Reynolds Cahoon, Lorenzo D. 
Wasson and Hiram Kimball accused Joseph of cowardice 
for wishing to leave the people, saying that their property 
would be destroyed, and they would be left without house 
or home. Like the fable, when the wolves came the shep- 
herd ran from the flock. 

The Return to Nauvoo. — The persecutions of enemies 
were easy to bear, but when he was thus accused by those 
who should have been his dearest friends, the Prophet 
was stung to the quick. It was not for himself he sought 
safety, but for his people. If this was all they cared, he 
would not seek to save himself. He replied: "If my life 
is of no value to my friends, it is of none to myself." 
Turning to Rockwell he said, "What shall I do?" Rock- 
well asnwered : "You are the oldest and ought to know best ; 
and as you make your bed, I will lie with you." Joseph 
then turned to Hyrum and said: "Brother Hyrum, 
you are the oldest, what shall we do?" Hyrum said, "Let 
us go back and give ourselves up, and see the thing out." 
The Prophet remained in deep reflection for some time, 
and then remarked : "If you go back I will go with you, 
but we shall be butchered." Hyrum said, "No, no; let us 
go back and put our trust in God, and we shall not be 
harmed. The Lord is in it. If we live or have to die, we 
will be reconciled to our fate." 

They then returned, and the first thing the Prophet did 
was to notify Governor Ford, by the hands of Theodore 
Turley and Jedediah M. Grant, that he would be ready to 
go to Carthage on the morrow. The governor promised 
to send a posse to protect him on the way, but through 
the influence of the Nauvoo conspirators, he changed his 



THE MARTYRDOM 375 

mind and ordered the Prophet and Patriarch to come to 
Carthage without escort. 

The Start for Carthage. — Early on the morning of the 
24th of June, Joseph and Hyrum with the accused members 
of the city council and a few tried friends, left Nauvoo for 
Carthage. On the way the Prophet hesitated, and looked 
back with admiration upon the city, the temple, and his 
farm. "This is the loveliest- place, and the best people under 
the heavens;" he said, "little do they know the trials that 
await them !" They passed the home of Esq. Daniel H. 
Wells, who was unwell. The Prophet stopped and called 
on him, and as he parted, he said : "Squire Wells, I wish you 
to cherish my memory, and not think me the worst man 
in the world either." 

The Governor's Demand for Arms. — About four miles 
from Carthage, they met Captain Dunn with a companv 
of about sixty mounted militia, who presented the Prophet 
with an order from the governor for delivery of all 
the state arms in possession of the Nauvoo Legion, which 
Joseph promptly countersigned. It was not enough for the 
governor to demand the presence of the Prophet and Pa- 
triarch at Carthage to be murdered, but the people in 
Nauvoo were to be left defenseless against their enemies. 
This order for the delivery of the state arms was evidently 
intended to exasperate the Saints to commit some overt 
act, which might be construed as treason. Fearing that the 
inhabitants of Nauvoo would show resistance, Captain 
Dunn requested that the whole company return with him 
to Nauvoo, and pledged to protect them even with his life. 
A messenger was sent to the governor explaining the reason 
for the return to Nauvoo. Notwithstanding the many 
threats, which the governor constantly had heard against 
the lives of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, no action was taken 
to disarm the mob, who were mustered into the governor's 
service. It appeared very much like a repetition of the Mis- 
souri scenes, in making the Saints defenseless while in a 
peaceful attitude, and arming their murderous enemies with 
state arms. 



376 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

A Lamb to the Slaughter. — When the company met 

Captain Dunn, the Prophet said: 

"I am going like a lamb to the slaughter, but I am as 
calm as a summer's morning. I have a conscience void of 
offense toward God and toward all men. If they take my 
life I shall die an innocent man, and my blood shall cry 
from the ground for vengeance, and it shall be said of me, 
'He was murdered in cold blood !' " 

When the work of Captain Dunn was accomplished, he 
thanked the people for their peaceful compliance and prom- 
ised them protection. Late that afternoon the journey to 
Carthage was commenced again. It was midnight when 
the company arrived at that town, and while passing the 
public square many of the troops of the Carthage Greys 
made murderous threats. "Stand away, you McDonough 
boys," they yelled, "and let us shoot the damned 'Mor- 
mons' " " — — you, old Joe, we've got you now. Clear 
the way and let us have a view of Joe Smith, the prophet 
of God. He has seen the last of Nauvoo. We'll use him 
up now, and kill all the damned Mormons." 

Governor Ford's Promise to the Mob-Militia. — On 
hearing these threats Governor Ford put his head out of 
a window and said, "I know your great anxiety to see 
Mr. Smith, which is natural enough, but it is quite too late 
tonight for you to have the opportunity; butj assure you, 
gentlemen, you shall have that privilege tomorrow morn- 
ing, as I will cause him to pass before the troops upon the 
square, and I now wish you, with this assurance, quietly 
and peaceably to return to your quarters." With a faint 
"Hurrah for Tom Ford," they complied with his wish. 

The Charge of Treason. — Early on the morning of the 
25th the prisoners voluntarily surrendered themselves to 
Constable Bettisworth. Shortly afterwards Joseph and Hy- 
rum were again arrested by Bettisworth on the charge of 
"treason" against the state of Illinois, on complaint of 
Augustine Spencer and Henry O. Norton. 

The Governor's Inflammatory Speech. — Shortly 
after eight o'clock Governor Ford called all the troops to- 



THE MARTYRDOM 377 

gether and formed them in a hollow square. He then ad- 
dressed them in a most inflammatory manner against the 
Prophet Joseph and the Patriarch Hyrum Smith. They 
needed little encouragement, as he well knew, for they even 
then were inflamed to a murderous degree. At the close 
of his speech he fulfilled his promise to the troops as they 
were drawn up in file, by taking Joseph and Hyrum Smith 
before them, and introduced them as Generals Joseph and 
Hyrum Smith. The Carthage Greys refused to receive 
them by such title, and made threats against their lives, 
to which the governor paid little heed. 

His Lack of Sincerity. — When Joseph Smith reported 
to Governor Ford that he had been before Daniel H. 
Wells, a justice of the peace, and had been tried, the gov- 
ernor replied that no other justice would do to try the case 
but the one who had issued the writ, therefore they must 
be tried before Justice Morrison. His lack of sincerity is 
shown in the fact that they were now taken before Justice 
Robert F. Smith, captain of the Carthage Greys and a 
most bitter mobocrat. The governor's object was to drag 
them to Carthage to their enemies, and there was no 
thought of justice or right in making his demand. The 
accused brethren were bound over to appear at the next 
term of the circuit court. It was evident that the magis- 
trate intended to place their bail at a figure which could 
not be met, in order to cast them into jail, but the bond was 
given, and Justice Smith left the court house without call- 
ing on the two prisoners, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, to 
answer to the charge of treason. 

False Imprisonment. — About eight p.m. Constable 
Bettisworth appeared at their lodgings at the Hamilton 
House and insisted on Joseph and Hyrum going to jail. 
They demanded to see the copy of the mittimus, which 
was refused. Their counsel, Messrs. H. T. Reid and J. W. 
Woods, informed the constable that they were entitled to 
a hearing before a justice, whereupon the constable pro- 
duced a mittimus which falsely stated that they had been 



378 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 






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LETTER WRITTEN IN CARTHAGE JAIL BY JOSEPH SMITH 



THE MARTYRDOM 37Q 

brought before Justice Robert F. Smith and the trial had 
been postponed by reason of the absence of material wit- 
nesses. They vigorously protested against such false and 
outrageous proceedings. Justice Smith asked the governor 
for advice, since his mittimus was illegal, and therefore 
this was a false committal, when Governor Ford replied, 
"You have the Carthage Greys at your command!" The 
hint was sufficient, and Captain Robert F. Smith there- 
upon commanded his "Greys" to execute the illegal action 
of Justice Robert F. Smith, and the Prophet Joseph and 
Patriarch Hyrum Smith were thrust into jail in defiance 
of all law. Elder John Taylor protested to the governor, 
but was answered by that craven individual that he had 
no power to interfere, and the law must take its course. 

The Governor's Broken Pledge. — On the morning of 
June 26, Joseph requested an interview with Governor 
Ford, which had been denied him the day before. This 
time it was granted and the whole cause of the trouble 
was reviewed. Governor Ford contemplated going to Nau- 
voo the following day to investigate certain charges of 
counterfeiting, and the Prophet said he considered himself 
unsafe in Carthage and requested to be taken to Nauvoo. 
The governor gave his word of honor that he would take 
him when he went, but failed to keep his promise. 

The Illegal Summons. — In the afternoon,Frank Wor- 
rell appeared before the jail with the Carthage Greys and 
demanded that the prisoners be delivered up to the con- 
stable to be taken before Justice R. F. Smith for trial. 
The jailor, who had been instructed to keep them in cus- 
tody "until discharged by due course of law," protested 
such proceedings ; but by threats Worrell compelled the 
jailor to surrender the prisoners. They were taken before 
Justice Smith, where their counsel, who had been given 
no notice of a trial, asked for a continuance that they 
might obtain witnesses. A continuance was granted until 
noon the following day. A new mittimus was made out 
and the prisoners committed again to prison, and without 



380 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

consultation on their part the time of trial was changed 
until the twenty-ninth. 

Threats of the Mob. — It was common conversation 
on the camp ground and at the hotel, in the presence of 
Governor Ford, that "The law is too short for these men, 
but they must not be suffered to go at large;" and "if 
the law will not reach them, powder and ball must." Pre- 
viously the governor had said, in order to quiet the im- 
patience of the Carthage Greys, that they should have 
"full satisfaction." 

The Night in Jail. — The evening of the 26th of June 
was spent by the prisoners and a number of friends, viz., 
John Taylor, Willard Richards, John S. Fullmer, Stephen 
Markham and Dan Jones, in conversing on the scriptures, 
Hyrum Smith occupying most of the time. They all re- 
tired to bed late, except Dr. Willard Richards who sat up 
writing until his last candle burned out. The Prophet and 
Patriarch occupied the bed, while the other brethren slept 
on a mattress on the floor. The report of a gun caused 
Joseph to arise from the bed, and going over to the mat- 
ress, he lay down on the floor between Dan Jones and John 
S. Fullmer. Stretching out his right arm he said to John 
S. Fullmer, "Lay your head on my arm for a pillow, 
Brother John." He then conversed with Brother Fullmer 
on many topics and gave expression to the presentiment 
he had from the beginning that he was to die. "I would 
like to see my family again," he said, and "I would to God 
that I could preach to the Saints in Nauvoo once more." 
After all was quiet he turned to Dan Jones and whis- 
pered, "Are you afraid to die?" Dan said, "Has that 
time come, think you? Engaged in such a cause I do not 
think that death would have many terrors." The Prophet 
replied, "You will yet see Wales and fulfil the mission ap- 
pointed you before you die." 

The Plotting by the Mob. — Early on the morning of 
the 27th, John P. Greene and William W. Phelps called 
at the jail, and the Prophet sent Dan Jones out to inquire 



THE MARTYRDOM 381 

what the firing of a gun in the night near the jail was for. 
Frank Worrell, of the Carthage Greys, and officer of the 
guard, replied, "We have had too much trouble to bring 
Old Joe here to let him ever escape alive, and unless you 
want to die with him you had better leave before sundown ; 
and you are not a damned bit better than him for taking 
his part. And you'll see that I can prophesy better than 
Old Joe, for neither he nor his brother, nor anyone who 
will remain with them will see the sun set today." Dan 
Jones reported to the Prophet who directed him to go to 
the governor and tell him what had taken place. On his 
way he overheard an officer making a speech, in which he 
said, "Our troops will be discharged this morning in obe- 
dience to orders, and for a sham we will leave the town; 
but when the governor and the McDonough troops have 
left for Nauvoo this afternoon, we will return and kill these 
men, if we have to tear the jail down." This was greeted 
by three cheers from the troops. 

The Governor Warned. — Jones immediately reported 
to the governor what he had heard. Governor Ford re- 
plied : "You are unnecessarily alarmed for the safety of your 
friends, sir, the people are not that cruel." Irritated by this 
remark, Jones urged the necessity of placing better men to 
guard the jail, and he said: "The Messrs. Smith are Amer- 
ican citizens, and have surrendered themselves to your Ex- 
cellency upon your pledging your honor for their safety; 
they are also Master Masons, and as such I demand of 
you protection of their lives." 

Governor Ford's face turned pale, and Jones continued: 
"If you do not do this, I have but one more desire, and that 
is, if you leave their lives in the hands of those men to be 
sacrificed — " 

"What is that, sir?" Ford asked in a hurried tone. 

"It is," said Jones, "that the Almighty will preserve my 
life to a proper time and place, that I may testify that you 
have been timely warned of their danger." 

Jones then returned to the prison, but the guards drove 



382 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

him away. Going to the hotel he witnessed the discharge of 
the troops, as the officer had predicted, and shortly after 
wards Governor Ford with the McDonough militia, the most 
friendly to the Saints, departed for Nauvoo, leaving the 
Carthage Greys, the most blood-thirsty of the troops, to 
guard the jail. The plot was working admirably without 
a hitch in the proceedings. 

"A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief." — John S. Fullmer 
and Stephen Markham, who had gone forth on errands, were 
also refused admittance again to the jail, while John Taylor 
and Willard Richards remained with their leaders. The 
day passed on, the prisoners and their two friends spent the 
time in bearing testimony to the truth of the Gospel, the 
divinity of the Book of Mormon, and in writing to their 
friends. Almon W. Babbitt called at the jail in the forenoon 
with a letter from Oliver Cowdery. Shortly after three 
o'clock there was excitement among the guards. 

At this hour Elder John Taylor sang the hymn : 
"a poor wayfaring man of grief/'' 
When he had finished, the Prophet asked him to sing it 
through once more, which he did. At four o'clock the guard 
was changed. At five o'clock the jailor, Mr. Stigall, sug- 
gested that the prisoners retire to the cell below, where they 
would be safer. 

The Martyrdom. — Shortly after five o'clock there was 
a rustling at the outer door of the jail and a cry of surrender, 
and the discharge of three or four firearms. Dr. Richards 
glanced out of the window and saw about one hundred 
armed men around the door. Many of them had their faces 
blackened. It is said the guard elevated their guns and 
boisterously threatened the mob, but took good care to fire 
over their heads. The mob encircled the building and some 
of them rushed past the guard up the flight of stairs, burst 
open the door and began their work of death, while others 
fired through the windows. Joseph, Hyrum and Elder 
Taylor had their coats off. The Prophet sprang for his 
coat to get a six barreled pistol which Cyrus Wheelock had 



THE MARTYRDOM 383 

given him. and Hyrum reached for a single barrel pistol 
that had been left by John S. Fullmer. They all then braced 
themselves against the door, Elder Taylor armed with a 
heavy walking stick of Elder Markham's and Dr. Richards 
with Elder Taylor's cane. In an instant a ball whistled up 
the. stairway, and Joseph Smith, John Taylor and Willard 
Richards sprang to the left of the door, and tried to knock 
aside the guns of the ruffians. Hyrum Smith retreated 
back and in front of the door, snapping his pistol, when 
a ball struck him on the left side of the nose. He fell on 
his back saying: "I am a dead man!" As he fell on the 
floor another ball from the outside entered his left side, 
and passed through his body with such force that it com- 
pletely broke to pieces the watch he wore in his vest pocket. 
At the same instant another ball grazed his breast, entered 
his throat, and passed into his head, while another was 
fired into his leg. A shower of bullets was pouring into 
the room. Joseph reached around the door casing and dis- 
charged his six shooter into the passage, some barrels miss- 
ing fire, while Elders Taylor and Richards continued to 
parry the muskets which were sticking through the door. 
When Hyrum fell, the Prophet said: "Oh, dear brother 
Hyrum !" Seeing there was no safety in the room, and 
without doubt thinking to spare his other companions, he 
turned calmly from the door, dropped his pistol on the 
floor, and sprang into the window. Two balls pierced him 
from the door, and one entered his right breast from with- 
out. He fell outward into the hands of his murderers, ex- 
claiming: "O Lord, my God!" With a cry that he had 
jumped from the window, the assassins who were in the 
building rushed down the stairs. Elder Taylor was also 
severely wounded ; four balls piercing his body, one ball 
struck his watch as he attempted to jump from the window, 
throwing him back into the room. 

When the ruffians left the building, Elder Richards 
who had miraculously escaped, except that a ball grazed his 
ear, started for the door. Elder Tavlor called to him; he 



384 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

returned and carried the wounded man up stairs into the 
"dungeon" and stretched him on the floor. Covering him 
with a bed, he said : "This is a hard case to lay you on the 
floor, but if your wounds are not fatal, I want you to live to 
tell the story." He then returned to the room below, ex- 
pecting the next moment to be shot. 

Terror of the Mob. — After accomplishing their deed 
of blood, terror seized the hearts of the assassins who fled 
from the scene of their diabolical crime in utmost con- 
fusion. Governor Ford, three miles out of Nauvoo, on his 
way to Carthage, met George D. Grant and Constable Bet- 
tisworth hastening to Nauvoo with the news of the martyr- 
dom. With terror on his countenance, he carried them back 
to Carthage, that they might not spread the awful tale, un- 
til he should be at a distance beyond the vengeance which 
he feared. Arriving at Carthage, he advised the citizens to 
flee for their lives before the infuriated "Mormons" came 
to burn their town, and suiting action to his words he fled 
with his posse towards Quincy. Conscience-stricken and 
with the blood of prophets on his hands, he did not stop 
until he arrived at Augusta, eighteen miles away. 

Sorrow of the Saints. — In the meantime word of the 
horrible tradgedy was sent by Dr. Willard Richards to 
Nauvoo. He said he had pledged his word to the frightened 
citizens of Carthage, that no violence or vengeance would 
be attempted by the Saints, and for the Saints to keep the 
peace and be prepared for an attack from Missouri. In- 
deed, there was no thought of summary vengeance by the 
Saints. With heads bowed down and hearts filled with 
grief — for the greatest sorrow in all their history had come 
upon them — they silently wept and prayed, leaving ven- 
geance to Him who said, "Vengeance is mine ; I will repay !" 

The Burial.— The next day, June 28, 1844, the bodies 
of the martyred prophets were taken to Nauvoo by Dr. 
Willard Richards, Samuel H. Smith and a guard of eight 
soldiers sent by General Deming. On the 29th, they were 
interred amidst the deep mourning of a stricken people. 



CHAPTER 36 

THE SUCCESSION OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES 
—PREPARATION TO LEAVE NAUVOO 

1844—1846 

A Crisis in the Church. — The martyrdom of Joseph 
and Hyrum Smith came as a terrible shock to the mem- 
bers of the Church. The thought that the Prophet was to 
be taken from them had not entered their minds, notwith- 
standing the many predictions he had made regarding his 
approaching death. He was only in his thirty-ninth year. 
His constitution was strong and he was possessed of ex- 
ceptional vitality. The Lord had saved him so many times 
from perils and threatened death, that the Saints fully 
expected the same power to shield him always. 

His death brought about a crisis in the Church, for it 
was the first disorganization of the presiding quorum of 
the Priesthood. Very little thought had been given to the 
subject of succession in the Presidency, even by the leading- 
brethren, for such a contingency seemed to them to be very 
remote. The revelations were clear on that point, but there 
had been no occasion for consideration of the subject. In 
the revelation on Priesthood, given to the apostles in 1835 
(Doc. and Cov. Sec. 107), the Lord said that the council 
of the apostles was equal in authority with the First Pres- 
idency, and Joseph Smith stated that its place was second 
only to the presidency of the Church, and where there was 
no First Presidency, the apostles would preside. When the 
Saints were left without the guiding hand of the Prophet, 
they were in confusion, not fully understanding this order 
of the Priesthood. Sidney Rigdon, first counselor to Presi- 
dent Joseph Smith, had lost the spirit of the work. Con- 
trary to the direct command of the Lord in a revelation 
(Doc. and Cov. Sec. 124:108^9) he moved his residence to 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was of little assistance 

26 



386 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

as a counselor in the presidency. For many months before 
his death, Joseph Smith had suspected Sidney Rigdon of 
being in league with his enemies. The Prophet openly ac- 
cused Sidney of being guilty of such treacherous action, 
from; which accusation he was not entirely cleared. He had 
manifested much sympathy for John C. Bennett, the arch- 
traitor, although he denied any direct communication with 
him. At the October conference, 1843, the Prophet refused 
to sustain Sidney Rigdon as a counselor, but through the 
merciful pleadings of Hyrum Smith and others, he was sus- 
tained. On that occasion the Prophet said : "I have thrown 
him off my shoulders, and you have put him on me ; you 
may carry him, but I will not." Amasa M. Lyman had been 
chosen to act as a counselor in his stead. William Law, 
Joseph's second counselor, had been excommunicated for 
apostasy, and was one of those who brought to pass the 
maityrdom. 

Sidney Rigdon's Attempt to be "Guardian to the 
Church." — Most of the apostles were in the Eastern 
States on missions at the time of the martyrdom. Only two 
were at Nauvoo, and one of them seriously wounded. As 
soon as Sidney Rigdon heard of the death of Joseph and 
Hyrum Smith, he hastened to Nauvoo, where he arrived 
Saturday, August 3, 1844. Elders Parley P. Pratt and 
George A. Smith had arrived a few days before. The apostles 
invited Sidney Rigdon to meet with them the following- 
morning, at eight o'clock at the home of John Taylor, 
where they might discuss the affairs of the Church, which 
Sidney Rigdon promised to do. Instead of doing so he 
met with William Marks and a few others, and endeavored 
to lay plans for the appointment of a trustee-in-trust and 
a "guardian" for the Church, before others of the apostles 
could arrive. At ten o'clock a public meeting was held and 
Sidney Rigdon preached declaring that a "guardian" must 
be appointed, "to build up the Church unto Joseph," and 
stating that he, Sidney, was the identical man spoken of 
by the ancient prophets to do the work they had spoken of 






THE SUCCESSION OF THE TWELVE 387 

in prophecy. Another meeting was held in the afternoon, 
at tvhich Elder William Marks, president of the Native o 
Stake, announced that there would be a special meeting oi 
the Church on Thursday, August 8th, "for the purpose of 
choosing a guardian." Sidney Rigdon had requested that the 
meeting be held on the 6th, but William Marks announced 
it for the 8th, which was providential, for President Brig- 
ham Young and most of the other apostles arrived in Nau- 
voo on the evening of the 6th. The next morning the 
apostles held a council meeting at the home of Elder Taylor. 
At four o'clock the apostles met with the high council of 
Nauvoo and the high priests. Sidney Rigdon was invited 
to express his views. He spoke at some length, relating a 
vision he claimed to have had, and stating that there could 
be no successor to Joseph Smith, but that the Church must 
be built up to him. He, Sidney, had been called to be a 
spokesman to Joseph Smith, and he proposed to be a guard- 
ian to the Church, if the people would receive him. 

President Young's Remarks. — President Brigham 
Young said he did not care who presided over the Church, 
but one thing he would have to know and that was what the 
Lord said about it. "Joseph conferred upon our heads," 
he said, "all the keys and powers belonging to the apostle- 
ship which he himself held before he was taken away, and 
no man or set of men can get between Joseph and the 
twelve in this world or in the world to come. How often 
has Joseph said to the twelve : 'I have laid the foundation 
and you must build thereon, for upon your shoulders the 
kingdom rests. ' " 

The Special Meeting of Thursday, the 8th of August. 
— Thursday, August 8, 1844, the special meeting called by 
William Marks in behalf of Sidney Rigdon was held at 
10 o'clock. Sidney Rigdon, from a position in a wagon in 
front of the stand in the grove, addressed the vast assembly 
for about one hour and a half. He presented himself to 
them as a "guardian" for the Church, that it might be 
built up unto Joseph Smith. The longer he talked, the 



388 



ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



more the people were convinced that he was without the 
inspiration of the Lord, and they left the meeting feeling 
that his was not the voice of the true shepherd. 

Transfiguration of Brigham Young. — At the close of 
the morning meeting, President Brigham Young, made a 
few remarks and announced that there would be another 
meeting at 2 o'clock. At the appointed time a great multi- 
tude of Saints assembled. 
The various quorums of 
the Priesthood were ar- 
ranged in order before the 
stand, and after the open- 
ing: exercises President 
Brigham Young addressed 
the congregation. He spoke 
with great power and the 
people were convinced that 
the authority and power of 
presidency was with the 
apostles. When he first 
arose to speak the people 
were greatly astonished, 
for Presdent Young stood 
transfigured before them 
and they beheld the Prophet 
Joseph Smith and heard his 
voice as naturally as ever 
they did when he was liv- 
ing. It was a manifestation to the Saints that they might rec- 
ognize the correct authority. Following his remarks in the 
afternoon, Amasa M. Lyman, William W. Phelps and Parley 
P. Pratt each spoke endorsing the remarks of President 
Young. 

The Apostles are Sustained. — After the other breth- 
ren had spoken President Young arose and was about to 
put the question to the assembly whether or not they wanted 
Sidney Rigdon for a leader and to be a "guardian" for the 




BRIGHAM YOUNG 



THE SUCCESSION OF THE TWELVE 389 

Church, but at the request of Elder Rigdon the question of 
supporting the apostles as the presiding quorum of the 
Church was presented first by President Young as follows : 

"I will ask you as quorums: Do you want Brother Rig- 
don to stand forward as your leader, your guide, your 
spokesman? President Rigdon wants me to bring up the 
other question first, and that is : Does the Church want, and 
is it their only desire to sustain the twelve as the First 
Presidency of this people? 

"Here are the apostles, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, 
the Doctrine and Covenants — they are written on the tablet 
of my heart. If the Church want the twelve to stand as 
the head, the First Presidency of the Church, and at the 
head of this kingdom in all the world, stand next to Joseph, 
walk up into their calling, and hold the keys of this king- 
dom, every man, every woman, every quorum is now put in 
order, and you are now the sole controllers of it. 

"All that are in favor of this, in all the congregation of 
the Saints manifest it by holding up the right hand." 

There was a universal vote, after which President Young 
called for the negative as follows: 

"If there are any of the contrary mind, every man and 
every woman who does not want the twelve to preside, lift 
up your hands in like manner." 

There were no hands raised, and President Young then 
remarked that since the vote was unanimous it superseded 
the other question of presenting Sidney Rigdon as "guard- 
ian" and also trying the vote by quorums. In this manner 
the apostles, who were the rightful authorities according 
to the revelations of the Lord, were sustained by the vote 
of the people and by common consent, as the Lord had com- 
manded that all things should be done. The matter of suc- 
cession was properly and rightfully decided, and was now 
binding on the members of the Church. At the close of 
the services the Saints returned to their homes, their minds 
at rest, for they were, with very few exceptions, no longer 
in doubt regarding the authority of the Priesthood and the 
presidency of the Church. 



390 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Excommunication of Sidney Rigdon. — Manifesting a 
bitter spirit and great disappointment, Sidney Rigdon re- 
turned to Pittsburgh. However, before he left Nauvoo 
he gave expression to his feelings declaring that the Church 
had not been led by the Spirit of the Lord for a long time, 
and he refused to sustain the apostles in their calling. A 
charge was made against him and his case was presented 
before the high council, with Bishop Newel K, Whitney 
presiding. After a lengthy hearing he was cut off the 
Church by the unanimous vote of the council. His case ; 
was then presented to the congregation of the Saints, and 
they sustained the action of the high council, only ten per- 
sons voting in the negative. After his return to Pittsburgh, 
he organized a church with officers after the order of the 
Church of Jesus Christ. He published a paper : arid proph- 
esied that all who followed the apostles would gp with 
them to destruction. He gathered around him a few of the 
disaffected, spirits from Nauvoo, but his organization did 
not prosper and soon came to an end. 

Action Against William Marks. — At the October con- 
ference, 1844, the apostles were again sustained as the pre- 
siding quorum of the Church by a united vote of the mem- 
bers. When the name of William Marks, president of the 
Nauvoo Stake, was presented, objection was raised and he 
was rejected, only two persons voting to sustain him. He 
had favored the claim of Sidney Rigdon,' although he sup- 
ported the apostles, but his spirit was no longer in the work 
and he was found in rebellion. He later left the Church 
and followed James J. Strang and others, and was ex- 
communicated. 



a James J. Strang, a man of some ability and commanding 
presence, joined the Church shortly before the martyrdom. 
After the death of the Prophet and Patriarch he claimed to 
have been chosen and appointed by Joseph Smith as his suc- 
cessor. He exhibited a letter which purported to have been 
written by the Prophet, in which such appointment was claimed 
to be set forth. He gathered quite a following of the discon- 
tented element at Nauvoo and established himcelf on Beaver 
Island, in Lake Michigan, where later he was crowned "king."' 



THE SUCCESSION OF THE TWELVE 391 

Trial of the Murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. 
— In October, 1844, a grand jury selected by the Hancock 
County circuit court, brought into court two bills of in- 
dictment against nine individuals for the murder of Joseph 
and Hyrum Smith. The trial took place in May, 1845, 
but proved to be nothing but a farce. The sentiment 
throughout the country was so bitter against the Saints 
that no attempt was made to obtain justice, which the gov- 
ernor had faithfully promised them. The jurors were in- 
structed by the court to bring in a verdict of "not guilty," 
which was accordingly done. Yet every man in the place, 
including the court and jury, knew that the defendants 
were among those who committed the murder. The blood 
of the martyrs was left unavenged to cry from the ground 
against their enemies, and with the blood of all the martyrs, 
shall continue to cry until the Son of Man shall come "red 
in his apparel" to take vengeance upon the ungodly. 

Growth of the Work. — After the question of the pre- 
siding quorum was decided, the Saints settled down to 
their usual duties, and the progress of the Church continued 
with greater strides than ever before. At the October con- 
ference in 1844, a great deal of important business was 
transacted. At that time and subsequently many brethren 
were ordained to the ministry, a number of quorums of 
seventy were organized, and missionaries were called to go 
to various parts of the United States and abroad with the 
message of salvation. The building of the temple was con • 
tinued with renewed diligence, and prosperity was manifest 
in the settlements of the Saints. On the 6th of December 
1844, the last of the thirty capitals on the temple was 
erected, and the following April, the capstone was laid 



Hewas shot and killed by one of his followers, and his organi- 
zation soon afterwards crumbled to pieces. Out of its frag- 
ments some years later there arose another organization known 
as the "Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints," unto which there were gathered the majority of those 
who had become disaffected and had been excommunicated 
from the Church. 



392 ESSENTIALS LX CHURCH HISTORY 

amidst solemn and enthusiastic services. Each room was 
dedicated separately as it was finished, and ordinance work 
for the Saints, as well as baptisms for the dead, were per- 
formed, i 

Mob Activities Renewed. — The enemies of the Lat- 
ter-day Saints thought that the murder of Joseph and Hyrum 
Smith would be the end of "Mormonism." They rejoiced 
in the accomplishment of their frightful deed of blood, and 
boasted of the downfall of the Church. To their great 
surprise the blood of the martyrs was the seed of the 
Church. The object they hoped to gain was not attained; 
therefore their anger was rekindled againsl the Church. 
Other leaders had arisen and the progress of the work was 
steady and onward. Those who had caused the death of 
the Prophet and the Patriarch now turned their attention 
to the destruction of the entire "Mormon" people. Through 
their papers, the Warsaw Signal, Alton Telegraph, Quincy 
Whig and others, they circulated all manner of false re- 
ports. They accused the Saints of theft and every other 
abominable crime in order to stir up the populace against 
them. Schemes were launched to provoke the "Mormons" 
to commit some overt act, that it might be seized upon as a 
pretext to gain the aid of the officials of the state under 
color of law ; yet by the anti-" Mormons" the laws were con- 
stantly broken without restraint. Their malicious and mur- 
derous threats passed unnoticed so far as any check upon 
such actions was concerned. 

Attitude of Governor Ford. — During all the trouble 
Governor Thomas Ford went out of his way to inform the 
Saints that they were bitterly hated, and that the great ma- 
jority of the citizens of the state rejoiced in the death of 
Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Notwithstanding his bitterness, 
he made an investigation of the charges circulated against 
the Saints and reported that — 

"On my late visit to Hancock County I was informed 
by some of their (the 'Mormons') violent enemies, that 
their larcenies had become unusuallv numerous and insuf- 



THE SUCCESSION OF THE TWELVE 393 

ferable. They indeed admitted that but little had been done 
in this way in their immediate vicinity. But they insisted 
tha* sixteen horses had been stolen by the Mormons in one 
night, near Lima, in the County of Adams. At the close 
of the expedition, I called at this same town of Lima, and 
upon inquiry, was told that no horses had been stolen in that 
neighborhood, but that sixteen horses had been stolen in 
one night in Hancock County. This last informant being 
told of the Hancock County story, again changed the venue 
to another distant settlement in the northern edge of Adams 
County." 

In his message to the legislature he said in reference to 
this subject: 

"Justice, however, requires me to say, that I have investi- 
gated the charge of promiscuous stealing, and find it to be 
greatly exaggerated. I could not ascertain that there were 
a greater proportion of thieves in that community, than in 
any other of the same number of inhabitants; and perhaps 
if the city of Nauvoo were compared with St. Louis, or 
any other western city, the proportion would not be so great." 

The leaven of opposition, however, was at work, and the 
citizens were aroused. Nothing but the departure of the 
"Mormon" people from the state would satisfy their unjust 
and iniquitous demands. They appealed to the governor to 
aid them in expelling the people who had done nothing to 
provoke opposition, but who were unpopular because of their 
faith. While the governor informed them he could take no 
legal action warranting such expulsion, yet he privately ad- 
vised the Saints to depart peaceably towards the West, as 
the Prophet Joseph Smith had contemplated doing, and 
there, said he, they could set up an independent govern- 
ment of their own. So lacking was he in the disposition 
to enforce the law and protect the innocent, that the ene- 
mies of the Church were encouraged in their unlawful 
course. 

Repeal of the Nauvoo Charter. — The city charter of 
Nauvoo had proved a protection to the Saints, and guaran- 
teed safety against the plottings of the wicked. It was the 



394 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

aim of the Nauvoo conspirators to cause its repeal. The 
first attempt to do this, as we have learned, failed. Now, 
Tiowever, the opposition had become so strong that the ene- 
mies of the Latter-day Saints accomplished their purpose. 
The charter was repealed by the legislature in January, 
1845. Some of the muderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith 
sat in that body and violently denounced the "Mormons," 
although it was well known that their hands were stained 
with innocent blood. After the repeal of the charter, and 
without hope of protection from the officers of the state, 
the Saints were at the mercy of their enemies. The pre- 
diction of the Prophet Joseph that after they had shed his 
blood they would seek the lives of every soul in whom was 
found the testimony of the Gospel, was literally fulfilled. 
The plots of the wicked were now turned against President 
Brigham Young and the leading brethren, who were forced 
to go into hiding from time to time. 

Attacks Upon the Saints. — In September, 1845, the 
scattered families of Saints -were sorely persecuted. Many 
were driven from their homes, which were burned. Sheriff 
J. B. Backenstos endeavored to perform his duty, and took 
a determined stand against mob law. For his pains he was 
arrested on the charge of murder, as a mobber had been 
killed, but violence against the "Mormons" was permitted 
to go unchecked. Governor Ford had promised and pledged 
"his word, that the murderers of the Prophet and Patriarch 
should be brought to justice. When he appealed to the 
citizens of Warsaw to sustain him in this pledge, they pos- 
itively informed him that they would do nothing of the 
kind. Similar answers were given by other citizens, who 
not only took a stand in opposition to the trial of the mur- 
derers, but brazenly appealed to the governor to give his 
aid in expelling the "Mormons" from the state. That 
weak and pusillanimous individual, by his subsequent ac- 
tions, acknowledged his defeat and the abdication of gov- 
ernment in Illinois. 

The Quincy Mass Meeting. — September 22, 1845, a 



THE SUCCESSION OF THE TWELVE 395 

mass meeting was held in Quincy to take action against 
the Saints. Their removal from Illinois was advocated. 
Those who assembled fully understood that the Prophet 
Joseph Smith had contemplated a removal to the West, and 
that plans were on foot early in 1844 to send an exploring 
expedition out to locate a site for a new home in the Rocky 
Mountains. A committee was appointed by this mass: 
meeting to wait upon the authorities of the Church and 
ascertain their intentions regarding a removal from the 
state of Illinois, and to impress upon the brethren that such 
a move was determined upon by the citizens. Following the 
meeting the Quincy Whig made this statement in this 
boasted land of liberty: 

"It is a settled thing that the public sentiment of the 
State is against the 'Mormons,' and it will be in vain 
for them to contend against it; and to prevent~blQodshed, ; 
and the sacrifice of many lives on both sides, it is their duty 
to obey the public will and leave the State as speedily 
as possible. That they will do this we have a confident 
hope and that too, before the next extreme is resorted to 
— that of force." 

The Reply of the Saints. — The committee appointed 
waited upon President Brigham Young and the apostles, 
and acquainted them with the action of the mass meeting 
and desired a reply. On the 24th, the reply was given in rj 
written communication. The persecutions of the Saints 
were mentioned and the statement made that the "Mor- 
mons" had endeavored to live in peace and desired to do so 
with all men. In relation to their removal they ?nswered 
as follows: 

"We would say to the committee above mentioned and 
to the Governor, and all the authorities, and people of Il- 
linois, and the surrounding states and territories, that we 
propose to leave this country next spring, for some point 
so remote that there will not need to be any difficulty with 
the people and ourselves, provided certain propositions nec- 
cessary for the accomplishment of our removal shall be ob- 
served, as follows, to-wit : 



396 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

"That the citizens of this and surrounding counties, and 
all men, will use their influence and exertion to help us to 
sell or rent our properties, so as to get means enough that 
we can help the widow, the fatherless and the destitute to 
remove with us. 

'That all men will let us alone with their vexatious law- 
suits so that we may have time, for we have broken no 
law; and help us to cash, dry goods, groceries, good oxen, 
beef-cattle, sheep, wagons, mules, horses, harness, etc. in 
exchange for our property, at a fair price, and deeds given 
at payment, that we may have means to accomplish a removal 
without the suffering of the destitute to an extent beyond 
the endurance of human nature. 

'That all exchanges of property shall be conducted by a 
committee, or by committees of both parties ; so that all the 
business may be transacted honorably and speedily. 

"That we will use all lawful means, in connection with 
others, to preserve the public peace while we tarry; and shall 
expect, decidedly, that we be no more molested with house- 
burning, or any other depredations, to waste our property 
and time, and hinder our business. 

"That it is a mistaken idea, that we have proposed to 
remove in six months, for that would be so early in the 
spring that grass might not grow nor water run; both of 
which would be necessary for our removal. But we propose 
to use our influence to have no more seed time and harvest 
among our people in this country after gathering our pres- 
ent crops ; and that all communications to us be made in 
writing. 

"By order of the Council," 

"Brigham Young," 

"President." 
"W. Richards," 
"Clerk." 

Decision of the Quincy Citizens. — The Quincy citi- 
zens accepted the proposition of the Church authorities to 
move, but very graciously declined to make any promise to 
buy or to assist in the purchase of the abandoned property 
of the Saints. Why should they put themselves out to do 



THE SUCCESSION OF THE TWELVE 397 

such a thing, when the property would naturally fall into 
their hands when it was abandoned ? b 

The Carthage Convention. — On the 1st and 2nd of 
October another convention of citizens from nine counties 
adjacent to Hancock, was held at Carthage. Resolutions 
were adopted in which the "Mormons" were accused of 
depredations upon the persons and property of the other 
citizens of Hancock County, and adjudged guilty, in spite 
of the personal investigation of the governor, himself un- 
friendly to the Latter-day Saints. Much bitterness of spirit 
was manifested at this meeting, which decided that it was 
too late to settle any difficulties between the ''Mormons" 
and the other inhabitants, and only one thing would suffice 
and that was the removal of the "Mormons" from the state. 
They declared that the "Mormons" were not being perse- 
cuted, but were suffering for their dishonest acts; at the 
same time they declared that from "long acquaintance with 
the old citizens of Hancock County," they could vouch for 
their "honor, integrity, and strict observance of the laws of 
their country," notwithstanding it was universally known 
that these same citizens had taken part in the assassination 
of ^Joseph and Hyrum Smith by mob force and contrary to 
law; moreover, that these same law-abiding citizens within 
the past few weeks had driven "Mormons" from their homes 
and burned their houses to the ground; had forced them 



&Dr. Conyers, in his "Hancock County Mob," makes the 
following comment on the action of the Quincy citizens: 

"The first one [resolution] in our opinion, is unique. They 
accepted and recommended to the people of the surrounding 
counties to accept an unconditional proposition to remove. But 
understand, Mr. Mormon, though we accept it and recommend 
the surrounding counties to do so likewise, [reprobate you, 
unconditionally] we do not intend to bring ourselves under 
any obligation to purchase your property, or to furnish pur- 
chasers; but we will be very kind and obliging, and will in no 
way hinder or obstruct you in your efforts to sell, provided, 
nevertheless this shall not be so construed as to prevent us from 
running off the purchaser. But we expect this small favor of 
you, viz., that you must dispose of your property and leave 
at the appointed time." 



398 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

from their fields where they had gone to gather crops ; had 
whipped their men and stolen their cattle without any pro- 
test. It appeared that the old citizens, like the king, could 
do no wrong, if their depredations were committed against 
the Latter-day Saints. A most regrettable feature in con- 
nection with these troubles is the fact that O. H. Browning, 
Stephen A. Douglas and others, who had defended the 
Prophet Joseph Smith, now gave their influence to the mob 
and assisted in bringing to pass the expulsion of the "Mor- 
mon" people from Illinois. Bitter feelings against the Saints 
increased. Judges were intimidated, and even the officials 
of the state dared not raise a voice in protest above a whis- 
per, or invoke the majesty of the law. 

Duplicity of Governor Ford. — The anti-"Mormons" 
of Illinois became impatient for the removal of their enemies 
before spring arrived. Their agreements were violated, and 
the Saints were not permitted to dwell in peace. Vexatious 
lawsuits, based on falsehoods, were planted against the 
apostles to embarass them and hinder the progress of their 
work. Even Governor Ford, fearing that the Saints would 
not leave the state within the stipulated time, resorted to 
duplicity to force them from the borders of Illinois. De- 
cember 29, 1845, he wrote to Sheriff Backenstos stating 
that indictments in the United States Court had been found 
against the leading "Mormons" which would bring them 
for the first time in collision with the United States. "If 
the 'Mormons' remain in the state," he wrote, "a strong 
force will be ordered to Nauvoo by the Secretary of War," 
and he thought the government at Washington would in- 
terfere and prevent the "Mormons" from going west of the 
Rocky Mountains, as many intelligent persons believed that 
they would there join the British, and "be more trouble 
than ever." He thought that this consideration was likely 
to influence the government. He later sent word by Sheriff 
Backenstos that he had turned against the Saints and 
Major Warren was making calculations to prevent their 
going away. In his History of Illinois, Governor Ford ad- 






THE SUCCESSION OF THE TWELVE 399 

mitted that he had resorted to deceit to make the "Mor- 
mons" believe that they would be prevented from going: 
west, in order to hasten their departure. 

President Young's Reply. — Commenting on the gov- 
ernor's letter to the sheriff, President Young remarked: 

"Should Governor Ford's speculations and suppositions 
in relation to U. S. troops prove correct, and the govern- 
ment send a regular force to arrest us, we will run no risks 
of being murdered by them as our leaders have been; and 
as to fearing a trial before the courts, it is all gammon, for 
our danger consists only in being held still by the author- 
ities while mobs massacre us, as Governor Ford held Joseph 
and Hyrum Smith, while they were butchered." 

Loyalty to the Government. — Answering the charge 
that when they got away from the borders of the United 
States, the Latter-day Saints would join the forces of some 
other nation which might be at war with the American 
Government — a thought which rightfully might have been 
entertained after the treatment the "Mormon" people had 
received within the borders of that land — the high council 
and authorities of the Church replied : 

"We also further declare for the satisfaction of some 
who have concluded that our grievances have alienated us 
from our country, that our patriotism has not been over- 
come by fire, by sword, by daylight nor by midnight as- 
sassinations which we have endured ; neither have they 
alienated us from the institutions of our country. 

"Should hostilities arise between the Government of the 
United States and any other power, in relation to the right 
of possessing the territory of Oregon, we are on hand to sus- 
tain the claim of the United States Government to that 
country. It is geographically ours, and of right; no for- 
eign power should hold dominion there; and if our ser- 
vices are required to prevent it, these services will be cheer- 
fully rendered according to our ability. We feel the in- 
juries that we have sustained, and are not insensible of 
the wrongs we have suffered ; still we are American." 

Preparations to Leave Nauvoo. — During the fall and 
winter months preparations went steadily on for the re- 



400 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

moval of the entire body of the Latter-day Saints in the 
spring. Work on the temple continued with increased 
diligence, as if there was no thought of a removal, until that 
structure was completed. January 1, 1846, the work of 
finishing the assembly room for dedication was nearing com- 
pletion. The general conference of the Church was held in 
the building in October, 1845, according to the command- 
ment of the Lord through Joseph Smith in October, 1841. 
In December, the ordinance work in the temple was com- 
menced, and thereafter the building was occupied both day 
and night to afford the Saints the opportunity to receive 
theii endowments. This continued until most all of the 
Saints had departed on their westward journey. May 1, 
1846, after the majority of the people had departed from 
the city, the temple was publicly dedicated in the presence 
of about three hundred persons. 

In the meantime every available building in Nauvoo had 
been converted into a shop where wagons, harness and 
other necessary articles could be manufactured for the 
journey. The timber for the wagons was cut and brought 
to Nauvoo, where it was prepared and boiled in salt and 
water or kiln dried. Teams were sent to various parts of 
the country to procure iron; and blacksmiths, wheelrights, 
carpenters and other workmen were kept busy night and 
day. There was very little sale of property because of the 
opposition of the citizens of the country, who used their 
influence to discourage sales by making threats against the 
new settlers as well as harassing the Saints. 



PART FIVE 

The Settlement in the Rocky Mountains 






CHAPTER 37 

THE EXODUS FROM NAUVOO 
1846 

The Abandonment of Nauvoo. — Wednesday, Febru- 
ary 4, 1846, the first of the Saints left Nauvoo and crossed 
the Mississippi River on the journey to the West. a On the 
6th of February Bishop George Miller and a company with 
six wagons crossed the river, and a few days later the work 
of ferrying the Saints to the Iowa side was kept up day 
and night. Elder Parley P. Pratt left Nauvoo on the 14th 
of February, and the following day President Brigham 
Young, Willard Richards and George A. Smith with a large 
company of Saints crossed the Mississippi on the ice and 
contiuned their journey about nine miles to Sugar Creek, 



°The same day two hundred and thirty-five members of the 
Church, from branches in the New England and the Atlantic 
States, under the direction of Samuel Brannan, sailed from 
New York for California. They had chartered the ship "Brook- 
lyn", at twelve hundred dollars per month, the lessee to pay 
the port charges. They carried with them farming implements 
of all kinds, blacksmith, carpenter and wheelright tools and 
fixtures, the necessary parts for two gristmills and sawmill 
irons. They also carried text books on various subjects and 
many other volumes. The press and type on which the Prophet 
— a paper published by the Church in New York — was printed, 
and sufficient paper and other things as would be needed to 
establish a new colony in their distant home. They arrived at 
Yerba Buena, now San Francisco, Wednesday, July 29, 1846, 
having gone around Cape Horn and touched at the Hawaiian 
Islands. On their arrival they found the American Flag wav- 
ing over the fort the guns of which had saluted them on their 
entrance into the bay. Three weeks earlier the United States 
Flag had been raised and the country occupied in the name of 
the government. In January, 1847, Samuel Brannan commenced 
publishing a newspaper at Yerba Buena called the "California 
Star," the first English paper published in California. 
27 



402 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

in Lee County, where a temporary camp was formed for 
the exiles fleeing from Nauvoo. b President Young spent 
the 16th in organizing the camp into companies and Elder 
Heber C. Kimball with another company arrived on the 
17th. On the 18th President Young and some of the breth- 
ren returned to Nauvoo to transact some necessary business 
and give instruction to those who were left there in com- 
mand. Elder Joseph Young, president of the seventies, had 
been left at Nauvoo to preside over the Saints who still re- 
mained. The exiles tarried on Sugar Creek for some time 



fc On the first night of the encampment of Sugar Creek nine 
infants were b®rn. The weather was inclement and extremely 
cold and the people without proper shelter. Writing of these 
conditions, Eliza R. Snow, the poetess, has said: "As we 
journeyed onward, mothers gave birth to offspring under almost 
every variety of circumstances imaginable, except those to 
which they had been accustomed; some in tents, others in 
wagons — in rainstorms and in snowstorms. I heard of one birth 
which occurred under the rude shelter of a hut, the sides of 
which were formed of blankets fastened to poles stuck in the 
ground, with a bark roof through which the rain was dripping. 
Kind sisters stood holding dishes to catch the water as it fell. 
thus protecting the new comer and its mother from a shower- 
bath as the little innocent first entered on the stage of human 
life; and through faith in the Great Ruler of events, no harm 
resulted to either. 

Let it be remembered that the mothers of these wilderness- 
born babies were not savages, accustomed to roam the forest 
and brave the storm and tempest — those who had never known 
the comforts and delicacies of civilization and refinement. They 
were not those who, in the wilds of nature, nursed their off- 
spring amid reeds and rushes, or in the recesses of rocky 
caverns; most of them were born and educated in the Eastern 
States — had there embraced the Gospel as taught by Jesus and 
his apostles, and, for the sake of their religion, had gathered 
with the Saints, and under trying circumstances had assisted, 
by their faith, patience and energies, in making Nauvoo what 
its name indicates, "the beautiful." They had lovely homes, 
decorated with flowers and enriched with choice fruit trees, 
just beginning to yield plentifully. 

To these homes, without lease or sale, they had just bade a 
final adieu, and with what little of their substance could be 
packed into one, two, and in some instances three wagons, had 
started out, desertward, for — where? To this question the 
only response at that time was, God knows." (Women of Mormon- 
dom Tullidge. Ch. 32). 



THE EXODUS FROM NAUVOO 40S 

where a number of council meetings were held and the needs 
of the people were duly considered. 

At the October conference in 1845, the members of the 
Church, on suggestion of President Brigham Young, unani- 
mously covenanted as follows: "That we take all the 
Saints with us, to the extent of our ability, that is, our in- 
fluence and property." After the motion was carried, Presi- 
dent Young remarked : "If you will be faithful to your cove- 
nant, I will prophesy that the Great God will shower down 
means upon this people to accomplish it to the very letter."' 
The members of the Church had been constantly instructed 
to prepare for the journey by laying up stores of provisions 
for many months. It was discovered that many who had 
come to Sugar Creek were without supplies to last them 
more than a few days, and this caused serious reflection 
and some anxiety among the leading brethren. It was 
winter time and supplies could not readily be obtained in 
the wilderness. However, those who had, shared with those 
who were destitute, and the Lord blessed them in their sub- 
stance. 

Conspiracy in Washington. — While camped on Sugar 
Creek a letter was received by President Young from Sam- 
uel Brannan, in which there was presented a proposition 
from Amos Kendell, formerly Postmaster-General, A. G. 
Benson and others, to use the Church authorities as their 
tools to secure land in California. They represented to 
Brannan that there was a movement on foot to disarm the 
Saints and prevent their movement towards the West. How- 
ever, they declared, the power was in their hands to avert 
the calamity, which they would do on certain terms. Their 
terms were that when the Saints arrived in California they 
would secure the lands and that every alternate section 
should be deeded to this combination of conspirators. They 
falsely represented that the President, James K. Polk, was 
a party to the scheme. For their service these men prom- 
ised that the Saints should be permitted to travel to their 
destination without molestation, and with the protection of 



404 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

the government. With righteous indignation President 
Young and the Apostles refused to make reply. 

Petition to the Governor of Iowa. — On the 28th of 
February a petition was addressed to the governor of Iowa, 
imploring his protection and influence in behalf of the 
Saints while they passed through that territory, or re- 
mained temporarily within its borders, to raise crops and to 
render assistance to those who would follow after. No reply 
to this petition was received and the Saints continued with- 
out aid or interference, 

The Journey Resumed. — March 1, 1846, camp was 
broken and the journey was resumed. The weather was 
extremely cold and stormy, and a great number of the 
people were without proper clothing and necessary shelter. 
Many of the wagons were without covers, and others had 
covers which would not shed the rain. Several members 
of the camps died from exposure and lack of proper care. 
The roads were almost impassable because of the constant 
storms. At this time there were some four hundred wagons 
on the road, heavily laden and without sufficient teams to 
permit of rapid travel. In this condition the exiles con- 



°It was not the intention of the Saints to leave Nauv'oo 
until the springtime had fully arrived. But the human fiends, 
who hated the religion of the Saints and coveted their sub- 
stance and property, were not willing for them to wait. What 
cared they for the suffering and exposure of an innocent peo- 
ple, driven from their homes and sheltered by the broad can- 
opy of heaven in the midst of winter? "We could have remained 
sheltered in our hornet," said President Brigham Young, "had 
it not been for the threats and hostile demonstrations of our 
enemies, who, notwithstanding their solemn agreements, had 
thrown every obstacle in ' our way, not respecting either life, 
or liberty, or property; so much so that our only means of 
avoiding a rupture was by starting in mid-winter. Our homes, 
gardens, orchards, farms, streets,, bridges, mills, public halls, 
magnificent temple, and other public improvements we leave 
as a monument of our patriotism, industry, economy, upright- 
ness of purpose, and integrity of heart; and as a living testi- 
mony of the falsehood and wickedness of those who charge us 
with disloyalty to the Constitution of our country, idleness and 
dishonesty." (Manuscript History of the Church). 



THE EXODUS FROM NAUVOO 405 

tinued their toilsome journey over the plains of Iowa. By 
the latter part of April the great body of the Latter-day 
Saints had left Nauvoo and were slowly wending their way 
seeking a haven in the west. 

Organization of the Camps. — While encamped near 
the Chariton River on the east fork of Shoal Creek, the 
organization of the camps was reduced to a more systematic 
order. They were divided into . companies of hundreds, 
fifties and tens, with officers appointed to preside over 
each. The apostles were appointed to take charge of divi- 
sions, and the camps were divided into two grand divisions. 
Over one of these President Brigham Young had command. 
He was also sustained as "president over all the camps of 
Israel." Elder Heber C. Kimball was appointed to the com- 
mand of the other grand division. In addition to these of- 
ficers there were appointed a contracting commissary and 
a distributing commissary for each fifty. The duties of the 
former were to agree on terms, prices, etc., concerning the 
purchase of provisions and necessities for the camp. The 
latter were to distribute among the camps the grain and 
provisions furnished for that purpose, judiciously and with 
singleness of heart. This organization led to better dis- 
cipline. The companies were more susceptible to advice 
and counsel, and the principle of obedience was more fully 
understood. Less selfishness was manifested among the 
people, and a better spirit prevailed. Of necessity the regu- 
lations in the camps were strict, yet the freedom and right- 
ful privileges of the Saints were safely guaranteed. Much 
of the dross had been left behind, and the "fair weather 
friends," as they were called by Col. Thomas L. Kane, had 
forsaken the tents of Israel and had sought the tents of 
ease. In this manner the camps were purged of those who 
were not faithful enough to face the perils and deprivations 
of the eventful journey. Although there were difficulties 
and differences to be settled from time to time, President 
Young was led to declare that he doubted if there had ever 
been a body of people, since the days of Enoch, who had 



406 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

done so little grumbling under such unpleasant and trying 
circumstances. 

Garden Grove. — At the beginning of the journey 
about one hundred men, under command of Colonel Stephen 
Markham, were selected as pioneers, to travel in advance of 
the companies to build and repair the roads; also to seek 
out temporary places for shelter where fields could be cul- 
tivated and homes — humble though they, of necessity, 
would have to be — might be provided for the exiles. The 
advance companies arrived at a place on the east fork of 
Grand River, some one hundred and forty-five miles west 
of Nauvoo, April 24, 1846. Here a temporary settlement 
was selected which they named Garden Grove. Two days 
later a council meeting was held and three hundred and 
fifty-nine laboring men were reported in the camp. From 
these one hundred were selected to cut trees and make rails ; 
ten to build fences; forty-eight to build houses; twelve to 
dig wells and ten to build bridges. The remainder were 
employed in clearing land and preparing it for cultivation. 
Every one was busy, and in a few days a respectable vil- 
lage, magic like, had risen in the wilderness. A temporary 
organization was effected with Samuel Bent as president, 
and Aaron Johnson and David Fullmer as counselors. At 
this point President Young addressed the Saints saying it 
would be necessary to leave some of their number here, 
because they could not continue the journey, while the 
main body would push on and "lengthen the cords and build 
a few more stakes," and so continue on until they could all 
gather at the place appointed, and "build the house of the 
Lord in the tops of the mountains." 

Proposition to Explore the West. — It was the inten- 
tion of President Young and the apostles to fit out a strong 
company of able-bodied men, unencumbered with families, 
and send them to the Rocky Mountains, there to build houses 
and plant crops, and prepare for the coming of the people 
as they were able to gather from year to year. "Were mat- 
ters to be so conducted," he said, "none would be found 



THE EXODUS FROM NAUVOO 407 

crying for bread or destitute of clothing, but all would be 
provided for, as designed by the Almighty. But instead of 
taking this course the Saints have crowded on us all the 
while, and have completely tied our hands by importuning 
and saying, 'Do not leave us behind. Wherever you go, 
we want to go, and be with you;' and thus our hands and 
feet have been bound, which has caused our delay to the 
present time. And now hundreds at Nauvoo are contin- 
ually praying and importuning with the Lord that they may 
overtake us, and be with us." An estimate of what would 
be required for a company of pioneers to take such a 
journey was made and the project was considered, but sub- 
sequent events prevented the undertaking until the follow- 
ing year. 

Mount Pisgah. — On the 18th of May President Young 
and several of the apostles reached the middle fork of 
Grand River, some twenty-seven miles west of Garden 
Grove. Here Parley P. Pratt with a company was found 
encamped. He had called the place Mount Pisgah, and 
here it was decided to make another settlement for the 
Saints. Several thousand acres of land were fenced for 
cultivation, after the manner of the settlement at Garden 
Grove, and this place became a resting place for the weary 
exiles for several years while crossing the plains. Elder 
William Huntington was chosen to preside with Elders Ezra 
T. Benson and Charles C. Rich as counselors. The camps 
were now traveling through an Indian country, where there 
were no roads, no settlements and only Indian trails. The 
spring rains having ceased, however, greater progress was 
made although a road had to be prepared all the way, and 
bridges built over all the streams. 

At the Missouri River. — On the 14th of June, Presi- 
dent Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt and others 
arrived on the banks of the Missouri, not far from Coun- 
cil Bluffs, with their respective companies. The next day a 
council meeting was held and it was decided to move back 
on to the bluffs where spring water could be obtained, and 



408 



ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



they would be protected from Indians. The Pottawattamie 
Indians were very friendly, and their chiefs showed the 
Saints some favor. A ferry boat was built and on the 29th 
the companies commenced crossing the river. About this 
time Elder Wilford Woodruff, who had just returned from 
presiding over the British Mission, and Elder Orson Hyde, 
who had been laboring in Nauvoo, joined the camp. 

President Young was still very anxious to send an ex- 
ploring company to the 
Rocky Mountains in ad- 
vance. The camps were 
called together, there being 
about five hundred wagons 
on the ground and others 
on the way, and President 
Young addressed them ad- 
vising them of his desire 
to get a company off for 
the Rocky Mountains. He 
feared, he said, that some- 
thing would happen to stop 
the movement, and was im- 
pressed that "everything 
that men and hell could in- 
vent would be hatched up 
to prevent the camp from 
making any progress." He 
spoke plainly on the sub- 
ject and said if the mem- 
bers of the Church should be blown to the four winds, 
and never gathered again, he wished them to remember 
that he had told them when and where to gather, and if 
they failed to do so to remember and bear him witness in 
the day of judgment, that they had received such informa- 
tion and advice. 

A Call From the Government. — June 26, 1846, Cap- 
tain James Allen, of the United States army, arrived at 




COUNCIL BLUFFS FERRY 



THE EXODUS FROM NAUVOO 409 

Mount Pisgah and had an interview with the brethren 
there. He was the bearer of a message to the "Mormon" 
people making a requisition on the camps for four or five 
companies of men, to serve as volunteers in the war with 
Mexico, which had recently been declared. The brethren 
at Mount Pisgah did not feel authorized to take any action, 
and therefore advised Captain Allen to visit President 
Young and the apostles at Council Bluffs. Captain Allen 
arrived at Council Bluffs on the 30th day of June, and the 
following day met with the Church authorities and presented 
his credentials for raising five hundred men. Such a de- 
mand caused some surprise and a little dismay among the 
camps. However, President Brigham Young declared that 
the volunteers would be forthcoming. It was moved by 
Heber C. Kimball and seconded by Willard Richards, that 
a battalion of five hundred men be raised, which was car- 
ried unanimously at a meeting of the brethren of the camp 
who were called together to consider the requisition. Con- 
sequently President Young and Elder Kimball returned to 
Mount Pisgah to raise volunteers, while letters were sent to 
Garden Grove and to Nauvoo bearing on the subject. Mon- 
day, July 13, 1846, in obedience to the call of the author- 
ities, the camps of the Saints met on Mosquito Creek, where 
they were addressed by President Young, Captain Allen 
and Colonel Thomas L. Kane, who had arrived in the camp 
to be of service to the people. Four companies of the bat- 
talion were raised on that and the following day, and the 
fifth company a few days later. 

An Important Council Meeting. — July 16, a council 
meeting was held at the bluffs and Ezra T. Benson was 
ordained an apostle in the stead of John E. Page, who had 
been excommunicated. Elders Orson Hyde, Parley P. 
Pratt and John Taylor were appointed to go to England 
to take charge of the affairs of the Church in that land and 
set them in order. Reuben Hedlock and Thomas Ward, 
who had been in charge, had been guilty of misconduct in 
the use of funds and had been disfellowshiped. The same 



410 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

day four companies of the battalion were mustered into ser- 
vice by their respective captains, and on the 20th left for 
Fort Leavenworth in the service of the United States. The 
fifth company left the following day, and the entire body 
arrived at their destination August 1, 1846, numbering at 
the time five hundred and forty-nine men. 

President Young's Instructions to the Battalion. — 
In giving instructions to the members of the battalion before 
their departure, President Young requested that they prove 
themselves to be the best soldiers in the service of the 
United States. He instructed the captains to be fathers to 
their companies, and to manage the officers and men by 
the power of the Priesthood. They should keep neat and 
clean ; teach chastity, gentility, and civility. No swearing 
should be indulged in; no man was to be insulted, and 
they should avoid contentions with Missourians, or any other 
class of people. They were to take their Bibles and Book* 
of Mormon with them, but were not to impose their belief 
on others. They were advised to avoid card playing and 
if they had any cards with them to burn them. If they would 
follow the instructions given they would not be called on 
to shed the blood of their fellow men, and after their labors 
were over, they probably would be discharged within eight 
hundred miles of the proposed settlement of the Saints in 
the Great Basin, where the next temple would be built in a 
stronghold free from mobs. 

Reasons for the Call for Troops. — January 20, 1846, 
while the high council of Nauvoo was considering the aban- 
donment of that place and journeying to the Rocky Moun- 
tains, the subject of sending an advance company was dis- 
cussed. There had been some talk of the government build- 
ing block houses and forts along the road to Oregon, and 
the matter was then before Congress. It was decided at 
this meeting that "In the event of the President's recom- 
mendation to build block houses and stockade forts on the 
route to Oregon becoming a law, we have encouragement of 
having that work to do, and under our peculiar circum- 



THE EXODUS FROM NAUVOO 411 

stances, we can do it with less expense to the government 
than any other people." Six days later Elder Jesse C. 
Little was appointed to preside in the Eastern States, and 
was furnished a letter of appointment in which the following 
occurs : 

"If our government shall offer any facilities for emi- 
grating to the western coast, embrace those facilities, if 
possible. As a wise and faithful man, take every honorable 
advantage of the times you can. Be thou a savior and a de- 
liverer of that people, and let virtue, integrity and truth be 
your motto — salvation and glory the prize for which you con- 
tend." 

Acting on this advice Elder Little wrote an appeal to 
President Polk in behalf of the Latter-day Saints, and after- 
wards called upon him and also the vice-President and mem- 
bers of the cabinet. At the time of his interview, June 1, 
1846, word of the commencement of hostilities between 
Mexico and the United States had reached Washington, and 
those governments were in a state of war. The authorities 
in Washington accepted the suggestion of Elder Little, think- 
ing it might be opportune to call upon the "Mormons" for 
volunteers. This was a very different action than that hoped 
for by the authorities of the Church, as they were looking 
for the opportunity to labor along the road toward Oregon 
over which they were destined to travel. Nevertheless they 
had asked for aid and now they were determined to' carry 
through the proposition of the government, hoping thereby 
that a blessing would be obtained and some benefit accrue 
to them. In complying with the order from the government 
over five hundred of their most vigorous young men were 
taken from their camps to travel westward by another route 
thus greatly weakening the camps. 

Winter Quarters. — The call of these able-bodied men 
for the battalion made it impossible for the Saints in their 
weakened condition, to continue their journey towards the 
West. It became necessary, therefore, for them to seek 
quarters where they could prepare, for the coming winter. 



412 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Captain James Allen secured from the chiefs representing 
the Pottawattamie tribes their voluntary consent for the 
Saints to make the Indian lands an abiding place as long 
as they should remain in that country. He also wrote an 
open letter stating what he had done in this matter. The 
Indian sub-agent also, endorsed the letter which Colonel 
Thomas L. Kane forwarded with a communication of his 
own, to the President of the United States. Measures were 
taken to gather to this place all the scattered Saints who 
were on the plains. Twelve men were chosen to form a 
high council, and a site was chosen on the west bank of the 
Missouri River for their settlement. A committee of twelve 
men was appointed to arrange the temporary city into 
wards, over which bishops were chosen to preside. Dur- 
ing the summer hay was cut in sufficient quantities to pro- 
vide for their stock in the winter. Every family labored 
diligently to construct some kind of a house in which they 
could find shelter, although many of these were merely dug- 
outs built in the side of the hill. The place was named 
Winter Quarters and was laid out regularly into streets. 
The Indians gave some trouble and it became necessary to 
build a stockade around the town. Through kind treat- 
ment, President Young and the Saints obtained the good 
will of most of the Indians, so that they lived in com- 
parative peace. 

Major Harvey's Opposition. — Major H. M. Harvey, 
the superintendent of Indian affairs and some others, made 
trouble for the Saints. Mr. Harvey called on President 
Young in November, and stated that he wished the Saints 
to move from the lands belonging to the Indians, and com- 
plained that the people were burning the Indians' wood. He 
said he had instructions from the government to permit no 
settlers on the lands without authority from Washington. 
President Young explained that the reason for the encamp- 
ment was due to the sudden demand of the United States 
for troops, and if the government prevented them from 
continuing their journey, some consideration and protection 



THE EXODUS FROM NAUVOO 413 

in return should be offered. Later developments indicated 
that the opposition was instigated by the enemies of the 
Saints. Through the intercession of J. K. Kane, father of 
Colonel Thomas L. Kane, the government gave permission 
for the exiles to remain where they were through the winter. 
Colonel Kane proved himself a faithful friend to the Lat- 
ter-day Saints, and was yet to perform valiant service. He 
wrote to Elder Willard Richards, the camp historian, stat- 
ing that he was intending to secure a lease from the gov- 
ernment of the Omaha lands, on which some of the Saints 
had located. "Trust me," he said, "it is not fated that my 
forces shall depart before I have righted you at the seat of 
.government, and have at least assured to you a beginning 
of justice besides an end of wrong." 

Activities at Winter Quarters. — A gristmill was built 
at Winter Quarters ; also a council house, where meetings 
could be held. This was done as much for the sake of 
keeping the people employed as it was for their convenience. 
During the winter they suffered greatly. The scurvy broke 
out among them and continued until potatoes were obtained 
from Missouri, and horse-radish was discovered in an aban- 
doned fort near the camp. Meetings were regularly held and 
the spiritual as well as the temporal welfare of the refugees 
was not neglected. Much of the time of the leading breth- 
ren was spent in giving employment to the Saints and in 
■devising means for the continuance of the journey when 
the time should come in the spring for them to move. 

Mob Uprisings at Nauvoo. — In the summer of 1846, 
hostilities were renewed against the members of the Church 
who still remained in Nauvoo. The great body of the Saints 
had left and only a remnant remained, composed of the 
poor, sick and afflicted, who had been unable to get away. 
They were all anxious to depart and were exerting all their 
energies to obtain means for that purpose. President Young 
and the apostles also were doing all in their power to aid 
them to depart. Notwithstanding their straitened circum- 
stances and their inability to move — which was due mainly 



414 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

to mob violence they had suffered — their enemies became 
impatient at their delay and continued their vicious perse- 
cution. The new citizens, who had purchased property from 
the Saints, also came in for a share of the bitterness of the 
mob. 

Major Warren's Proclamation. — Major W. B. War- 
ren, who had been stationed in Hancock County with a 
small force, took up his quarters at Nauvoo by order of 
the governor and published a proclamation to the citizens 
of Hancock County attempting to quiet their opposition, in 
which, in part, he said : 

"I have been in Nauvoo with my detachment a week, 
and can say to you with perfect assurance, that the demon- 
strations made by the 'Mormon' population, are unequivocal. 
They are leaving the state, and preparing to leave, with 
every means that God and nature has placed in their hands. 
Five ferry boats are running at this place night and day, 
and many are crossing at Nashville and Fort Madison. This 
ought to be satisfactory. 

"The anti-'Mormons' desire the removal of the 'Mor- 
mons;' this is being effected peaceably, and with all pos- 
sible dispatch. All aggressive movements, therefore, against 
them at this time, must be actuated by a wanton desire to 
shed blood, or to plunder. This course, I know, is deprecated 
by three-fourths of the anti-'Mormon' population, and must 
not be indulged in. I therefore exhort all good citizens to 
stay at home, with an assurance that they shall be duly 
advised of all movements which may take place, in which 
they feel interested. 

"A man near sixty years of age, living about seven miles 
from this place, was taken from his house a few nights since, 
stripped of his clothing, and his back cut to pieces with a 
whip, for no other reason than because he was a 'Mormon,' 
and too old to make successful resistance. Conduct of this 
kind would disgrace a horde of savages." 

A proclamation of this kind, issued by one who was him- 
self none too friendly to the "Mormon" people, was with- 
out effect. At the time he wrote, John McAuley and Levi 



THE EXODUS FROM NAUVOO 415 

Williams — the latter a Baptist preacher, and one of the 
mob who took part in the murder of Joseph and Hyrum 
Smith — with a strong force were preparing to gather under 
arms, contrary to the proclamation of the governor to the 
effect that not more than four persons with arms should 
assemble together, other than the state troops. Though 
his force was small, Major Warren notified these mobbers 
that he had law and moral force on his side and was able 
to meet successfully any mob which could assemble in that 
county. He advised the "Mormons" to go on with their 
preparations to cross the river, as speedily as they could, 
and leave the fighting to him; if he should be overpowered^ 
then they could recross the river and defend themselves 
and property. 

Kidnaping of Phineas H. Young and Others. — On 
the 11th day of July, eight of the citizens of Nauvoo went: 
into the country about eleven miles from Nauvoo, to har- 
vest wheat. While engaged in their work they were sur- 
rounded by a mob who ransacked their wagons, seized their 
weapons, and then took them one at a time and brutally 
beat them with hickory goads. Several of the mobbers- 
engaged in this were recognized, and two, John McAuley 
and a man named Brattle, were arrested. While they were 
under arrest, a second party of five "Mormons," Phineas. 
H. Young, Brigham H. Young, Richard Ballantyne, James 
Standing and James Herring, were waylaid and taken pris- 
oners. When they asked why they were treated in that 
manner the answer was given that they had committed no- 
offense, but they were "Mormons," and were to be held: 
as hostages for the safety of McAuley and Brattle. They 
were held by their persecutors for fourteen days, several 
times facing guns expecting to be shot, from which they- 
were saved only by interposition of Divine power. At- 
tempts were made to poison them, and they were most in- 
humanely treated. Finally they made their escape and re- 
turned to Nauvoo. 

The "Resistance of Law." — When the two mobbers 



416 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

were arrested a gun was found in the possession of McAuley 
belonging to one of the harvesters. It was recognized and 
seized by William Pickett, a non-" Mormon." For this 
action Pickett and two others were 'arrested by the mob- 
bers on a "warrant" for "stealing." Pickett had incurred 
the hatred of the mob, and knowing that the charge against 
Tiim was only a trick to get him into their hands, he was not 
inclined to yield. When John Carlin came from Carthage 
to arrest him, Pickett asked if he would be guaranteed 
safety. Carlin answered no ; whereupon Pickett resisted 
arrest. Though later he went before the magistrate at Green 
Plains, who issued the warrant, and was released. 

The "resistance" by Pickett was the thing most de- 
sired by the mob, who only wanted a pretext to attack 
Nauvoo. Now there had been a defiance of law. "Nauvoo 
^vas in rebellion," and Carlin issued a proclamation calling 
upon the citizens to come as a posse cormtatus, and assist 
Trim in executing the law. The citizens of Nauvoo peti- 
tioned the governor for protection, for the mob forces were 
collecting under command of James W. Singleton, assisted 
by J. B. Chittenden, N. Montgomery, James King, J. H. 
Sherman and Thomas S. Brockman. The governor very 
graciously sent Maj or Parker with a force of ten men, and 
authorized him to take command of such forces as he could 
raise from volunteers, and defend the city against mob at- 
tacks. There were very few members of the Church in 
Nauvoo at the time, less than one hundred and fifty men 
who were available for defense. 

Counter Proclamations. — Parker issued a proclama- 
tion calling upon the mobs in the name of the state and by 
virtue of his authority, to disperse. Carlin and his crowd 
answered by a counter proclamation, stating that they would 
consider the government forces as a mob. Parker wrote to 
Singleton desiring a compromise without shedding blood. 
Articles of agreement requiring all the Saints to leave Nau- 
voo within sixty days, were drawn up and signed by 
Singleton and Chittenden for the mob, and Major Parker 



THE EXODUS FROM NAUVOO 417 

and three others for the government forces. In this man- 
ner Parker treated the mobbers as his equals and agreed 
to their terms. 

Threats Against the Saints. — It appears that the ob- 
ject for which the mob forces were ostensibly raised was en- 
tirely forgotten, and no more was heard of the resistance of 
the officers by Pickett, but the attacking forces now de- 
termined that all the "Mormons" should go. Singleton in 
his communication to Parker said: "When I say to you, 
the 'Mormons' must go, I speak the mind of the camp and 
the country. They can leave without force or injury to 
themselves or their property, but I say to you sir, with all 
candor, they shall go — they may fix the time within sixty 
days, or I will fix it for them/' 

Attack Upon Nauvoo. — These terms did not satisfy 
the mob. Sixty days was too long a time for them to wait 
for the departure of the remnant of the "Mormons" that 
they might plunder and rob, and besides they thirsted for 
blood. Singleton and Chittenden withdrew from the com- 
mand of the mob forces, and wrote to Parker saying that 
the mob had rejected their treaty, which they considered 
reasonable enough. Carlin, the constable, thereupon placed 
Thomas S. Brockman in command, and gave orders for 
the mob to march. Parker also withdrew from service and 
Major Benjamin Clifford, Jr., took command of the gov- 
ernment forces at Nauvoo by a commission from Governor 
Ford. September 10, Brockman and his mob approached 
Nauvoo. Many of the new citizens, seeing the danger they 
were in, fled from the city, leaving but a small force of vol- 
unteers to aid Major Clifford in the defense of Nauvoo. 
The defenders converted some steamboat shafts into can- 
non and threw up some fortifications on the north side of 
Mulholland street facing the mob. This small force made a 
determined stand, although outnumbered two or three to 
one. On the 10th, 11th and 12th, there was desultory firing 
on both sides. On Saturday the 12th Brockman sent a 
communication "to the commander of the 'Mormon' forces 

28 



418 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

in Nauvoo," demanding a surrender and the delivery of 
arms, to be returned as soon as the "Mormons" had crossed 
the river and were out of the state. The same day Major 
Clifford replied stating that there was no "commander of 
'Mormon' forces" in that place; that he was there "by order 
of the governor and commander-in-chief of the Illinois 
militia to disperse your (Brockman's) forces in the name 
of the people of Illinois." The reply continued: "So far I 
have acted on the defensive, and for the sake of humanity ; 
if for no other purpose, I hope you will at once see the pro- 
priety and justice of dispersing your forces. The armed 
force under your command is not necessary for any lawful 
purpose in this city or county." 

The Battle of Nauvoo. — Upon receiving this reply, 
Brockman advanced upon Nauvoo, endeavoring to gain en- 
trance at the head of Mulholland street, the main street of 
the city. He was driven back after a determined resistance 
by the defenders of the place. The cowardly mob forces 
were somewhat disconcerted at the sound of cannon in 
Nauvoo, for they thought the besieged citizens were poorly 
armed, and that to enter the city would be an easy thing to 
do. During the battle three of the defenders lost their lives, 
namely, Captain William Anderson, his son, August L., a 
lad fifteen years of age, and David Norris. Several others 
were wounded. It cannot be ascertained how many were 
killed on the side of the mob, but a large number were 
wounded. The fighting continued until the 16th, and the 
mob was repulsed four times. On the latter day a treaty 
of surrender was entered into, through the agency of a 
committee of citizens from Quincy, who were in sympathy 
with the mob. This treaty which was signed by Andrew 
Johnson for the Quincy Committee, Thomas Brockman and 
John Carlin for the mob, and A. W. Babbitt, J. L. Heywood 
and J. S. Fullmer for the Latter-day Saints, stipulated that 
the city of Nauvoo should surrender September 17, at three 
o'clock p. m. The arms of the besieged were to be delivered 
up to the "Quincy Committee," to be returned at the cross- 



THE EXODUS FROM NAUVOO 



419 



ing of the river. The citizens and property were to be pro- 
tected from all violence. The sick and helpless were to be 
protected and treated with humanity, and the "Mormon" 
population was to leave the state as soon as they could cross 
the river. There were provisions of minor importance, one 
of which was that five men — including the trustees of the 
Church — were to be permitted to remain in the city to dis- 
pose of property, free from all molestation and violence. 
However, William Pickett, the man so much wanted ac- 
cording to the first reports 
of the mob for resisting the 
law, and on whose account 
the mob had gathered, was 
not to be one of this com- 
mittee, nor was he to re- 
main in the city. 

Valiant Defenders. 
— Among those who took 
valiant part in the battles 
during the siege of Nauvoo. 
were the two Andersons, 
father and son, and David 
Norris, who lost their lives. 
They belonged to a com- 
pany known as the " Spar- 
tan Band," because of the 
perilous situation in which 
they were stationed in the 
defense of the city. Also 
"Squire" Daniel H. Wells, 

Captain Andrew L. Lamereaux, William L. Cutler, Alex- 
ander McRae, Almon Fullmer, Benjamin Whitehead, John 
E. Campbell and Curtis E. Bolton. In fact the entire band 
of noble defenders are worthy of special mention, and their 
names should be recorded among the true sons of liberty.'' 




DAXIEL II. WELLS 



^Daniel H. Wells, who had joined the Church August 9, 
1846, after the departure of most of the members of the Church, 



420 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

The Violation of the Treaty. — According to the agree- 
ment, the mob forces entered Nauvoo on the 17th, and in 
keeping with the usual mob spirit, failed to regard their 
agreement. Immediately they commenced to drive tihe 
Saints from the city, and treated some of the men in a 
most brutal manner. They commenced their diabolical 
deeds by searching the wagons on the bank of the river 
waiting to be ferried across, and ransacked their contents 
taking all firearms and scattering the goods over the ground. 
Families of the poor were ordered from the city at the 
point of the bayonet. The sick were sorely abused, and 
even those who were engaged in the burying of their dead 
were molested. They entered the temple, ascended the 
tower and rung the bell, shouting and yelling, and giving 



but who had always been a true friend to the Prophet Joseph 
and Patriarch Hyrum Smith, addressed the remaining members 
of the Church, while they were in the hands of their enemies, 
as follows: 

"There is no use in the small handful of volunteers trying 
to defend the city against such an overwhelming force. What 
interest have the Saints to expect from its defense? Our in- 
terests are not identified with it, but in getting away from 
it. Who could urge the propriety of exposing life to defend 
a place for the purpose of vacating it? I have been in the 
councils of Joseph and Hyrum and the twelve, and I know 
they were desirous that the Saints should leave the state and 
go westward. Have not the twelve and most of the Church 
gone, and is not their counsel for us to follow? Have not 
they told us that our safety was not in Nauvoo, but in our 
removal westward? 

"The trustees have no means with which to carry on the 
defense; they are already involved. Major Parker, who was 
sent by the governor to aid us, when he left, promised to raise 
men and return immediately to our assistance, but he has for- 
saken us, and is it not well known that the Quincy Committee 
was prepared to join the mob, if a treaty was not effected? 
Under these circumstances, I have thrown in my influence with 
the trustees for the surrender of Nauvoo upon the best terms 
we could get, and as being the best and only wise policy left 
for us to pursue. 

"Brethren, reflect, we have nothing to gain in defending 
Nauvoo, but everything to loose; not only property, but life 
also,, is hourly in peril." 



THE EXODUS FROM NAUVOO 421 

vent to filthy oaths in a fiendish manner. They plundered 
the homes of the people, irrespective of whether they were 
members of the Church or not. Colonel C. M. Johnson was 
sentenced to death, but his persecutors could not agree on 
the manner of his execution and he escaped. With such 
inhuman treatment, the members of the Church remaining 
in Nauvoo, were forced across the Mississippi River in their 
poverty and distress. Their condition was pitiable, but it 
could not move the hearts of the mobs of Illinois. These 
outcasts camped on the bank of the river for several days, 
where the Lord in his mercy fed them, as he did the chil- 
dren of Israel, with a supply of quails, until help arrived 
from the camps of Israel in the wilderness. As soon as they 
could leave they bid farewell to the inhospitable boundaries 
of "civilization" and took up their journey toward the west, 
there to build a city of refuge, and find a haven of rest 
among the more tender-hearted savages of the desert. 



CHAPTER 38 

THE MORMON BATTALION 
1846—1847 

Captain Allen's Circular. — When Captain James Allen 
arrived in the Camps of the Saints, he issued a "Circular 
to the 'Mormons,' " which read as follows : 

"I have come among you, instructed by Colonel S. W. 
Kearny, of the U. S. Army, now commanding the Army of 
the West, to visit the 'Mormon' Camp, and accept the ser- 
vices for twelve months of four or five companies of 'Mor- 
mon' men who may be willing to serve their country for that 
period in our present war with Mexico; this force to unite 
with the Army of the West at Santa Fe, and be marched 
thence to California, where they will be discharged. 

"They will receive pay and rations, and other allowances, 
such as other volunteers or regular soldiers receive, from 
the day they shall be mustered into the service, and will be 
entitled to all comforts and benefits of regular soldiers of 
the Army, and when discharged, as contemplated, at Cal- 
ifornia, they will be given gratis their arms and accoutre- 
ments, with which they will be fully equipped at Fort 
Leavenworth. Thus is offered to the 'Mormon' people 
now — this year — an opportunity of sending a portion of 
their young and intelligent men to the ultimate destination 
of their whole people, and entirely at the expense of the 
United States, and this advance party can thus pave the 
way and look out the land for their brethren to come after 
them. 

"The pay of a private volunteer is seven dollars per 
month, and the allowance for clothing is the cost price of 
clothing of a regular soldier. 

"Those of the 'Mormons' who are desirous of serving 
their country on the conditions here enumerated, are re- 
quested to meet me without delay at their principal camp 
at the Council Bluffs, whither I am now going to consult 
with their principal men, and to receive and organize the 
force contemplated to be raised. 






THE MORMON BATTALION 423 

"I will receive all healthy, able men of from eighteen to 
forty- five years of age. 

"J- Allen, Captain 1st Dragoons." 

"Camp of the 'Mormons,' at Mount Pisgah. one hundred 
and thirty miles east of Council Bluffs, June 26th, 1846." 

Scarcity of Abie-Bodied Men. — When this call came 
a great part of the young men of the ages required were 
scattered over the plains. Many had gone to St. Louis and 
other points for employment to obtain means to help them 
carry their families to the west. All of the Saints were 
poor, and some in dire want. Those who were able to travel 
were under the necessity of helping along the weak, the 
aged and infirm, who could not be left behind. Among the 
teamsters were found mere children, who had been forced 
into such service because of the limited number of men. 

The Equipment of the Battalion. — At Fort Leaven- 
worth the battalion was equipped. They received one tent 
for every six privates and were provided with flint-lock 
muskets, a few cap-lock yauger rifles for sharp-shooting 
and hunting, and other camp accoutrements. July 5, they 
drew their check for clothing, forty-two dollars each, paid 
one year in advance. A goodly portion of this money was 
sent back for the support of their families and the gathering 
of the poor from Nauvoo. They also contributed to help 
Elders Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt and John Taylor on 
their way to Great Britain and Elder Jesse C. Little to re- 
turn to his field in the Eastern States. The paymaster was 
much surprised to see every man of the battalion able to sign 
his name to the roll, whereas only about one out of every 
three of the Missouri volunteers, who previously had re- 
ceived their pay, could put his signature to the document. 

°The five cojmpanies of the battalion were commanded re- 
spectively as follows: Company A, Jefferson Hunt; Company 
B, Jesse D. Hunter; Company C, James Brown; Company D, 
Nelson Higgins; Company E, Daniel C. Davis. Before they 
left Winter Quarters, a farewell ball was given them in "Father 
Taylor's Bowery," where the afternoon was spent in dancing 
and such merriment as the sadness of the appror.ching parting 
would admit. 



424 ESSENTIALS IN CH URCH HI ST OR Y 

Death of Colonel Allen. — Captain James Allen, the 
recruiting officer for the battalion, was selected by General 
Stephen W. Kearny, to take command of the "Mormon" 
troops, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel of volunteers. At 
Fort Leavenworth Colonel Allen was taken ill, and on the 
12th of August, ordered the battalion to take up its march 
while he remained for a few days to recuperate, but on the 
23rd, he died. He was much lamented by the battalion 
members, for they had learned to love him for his kindness. 

Lieutentant Smith in Command. — After the death of 
Colonel Allen, the command devolved upon Captain Jeffer- 
son Hunt, of Company "A." The promise had been made 
to President Young, by Colonel Allen, that no officers would 
be chosen for the battalion, except himself, outside of their 
ranks. On what authority the promise was made, does not 
appear. However, shortly afterwards Lieutenant A. J. 
Smith, of the regular army, was given command, contrary 
to the wishes of the men. With Lieutenant Smith there 
came Dr. George B. Sanderson, whom Colonel Allen had 
appointed to serve with the battalion as surgeon. Accord- 
ing to the journals of the men, they were caused to suffer 
considerably because of the "arrogance, inefficiency and 
petty oppressions" of these two officers. Sanderson was 
from Missouri, and perhaps was none too friendly towards 
the troops ; however, the enforcement of discipline, to which 
they were not accustomed, may have magnified the ill-treat- 
ment in their eyes to some extent. The heat of the summer 
was excessive, their rations were reduced, and through the 
drinking of brackish water, many were taken with malaria. 
They had already become weakened from their long marches 
across the plains of Iowa, in inclement weather, without 
proper food and shelter, so that they were more susceptible 
to disease. Dr. Sanderson prescribed calomel and arsenic, 
refusing to permit the men to resort to their own simple 
remedies, and evincing skepticism in the laying on of hands 
and their exercise of faith. 

The Line of March. — Their line of march from Fort 



THE MORMON BATTALION 



425 



Leavenworth, had taken them across the Kansas River and 
then westward to the Arkansas, which they followed up 
stream for about one hundred miles. From that point they 
journeyed southwest to the Cimarron River and passed 
near what is now the junction of the states of Kansas, Colo- 
rado and Oklahoma, on a southwesterly course to the old 
Spanish town of Santa Fe. From Santa Fe their route was 
by way of the Rio Grande, southward near the present city 
of El Paso, and thence to the west, through the city of 




ROUTE OF THE MORMON BATTALION 



Tucson — which was deserted by its garrison as the battalion 
approached — across the Gila and Colorado to San Diego. 

The Families Ordered to Pueblo. — As the battalion 
was leaving the Arkansas River, the commanding officer 
gave orders that a number of families which had accom- 
panied the troops to that point, should be detached and sent 
to Pueblo, a Mexican town situated at the eastern base of 
the Rocky Mountains. There was some protest because it 
was contrary to a promise given at the beginning of the 
march; but it was really a necessary action. For the fam- 
ilies of members of the battalion to travel with the com- 
panies was a hindrance to the rapid progress they were 
called upon to make. Captain Nelson Higgins and a guard 



426 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

of ten men were detailed to make the journey to Pueblo. 
They departed September 16, 1846, and on the way one of 
their number, Norman Sharp, was accidently killed. 

Colonel Cooke Takes Command. — Leaving the Ar- 
kansas the battalion resumed its journey to Santa Fe. On 
the 2nd of October they crossed Red River where they 
were divided into two divisions the following day. The 
strongest and most able-bodied men pushed on with all speed 
and arrived at Santa Fe on the 9th of that month. Here they 
were received with a salute of one hundred guns by Colonel 
Alexander Doniphan, the post commander. On October 12, 
the second division arrived, and immediately afterward Cap- 
tain Phillip St. George Cooke, an officer of dragoons, suc- 
ceeded to the command with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, 
by appointment of General Kearny. The appointment of 
Col. Cooke was another disappointment to the men, who still 
hoped for the appointment of Captain Hunt; but they 
learned to respect and honor this rugged officer who was 
a thorough soldier and just and honorable. Lieutenant A. 
J. Smith, remained with the battalion as acting commissary, 
and Dr. Sanderson continued to administer his calomel and 
arsenic to the men. 

The Sick Sent to Pueblo. — At Santa Fe a council of 
officers was held with Colonels Doniphan and Cooke, and 
it was decided to send all the sick together with the remain- 
ing women and children in the camp, to Pueblo for the 
winter, with the privilege of journeying towards the main 
body of pioneers in the spring, at goverment expense. Colonel 
Cooke detailed Captain James Brown and Lieutenant Elam 
Luddington to take charge of this company on the march 
to Pueblo. October 18, 1846, Captain Brown left Santa Fe 
with nearly ninety men reported as incapable of undertaking 
the journey to California because of physical ailments. Ac- 
companying them were a number of women and children. 
Sanderson, the physician, discharged some of these men 
without pay or means to procure conveyance to the states, 
whereupon Colonel Doniphan, in charge of the post, went 






THE MORMON BATTALION 427 

to Col. Cooke and countermanded the order with the state- 
ment that General Kearny would never discharge a man 
under circumstances of that kind, and ordered the men with 
the laundresses and others, to be sent to Pueblo and to draw 
their pay. Their journey took them over a rough country a 
distance of some two hundred miles. Several died on the 
way and others succumbed after Pueblo was reached. They 
arrived November 17 and selected a place for winter quarters 
near the encampment of Captain Higgins and a company of 
Saints who had previously arrived in Pueblo from Mis- 
sissippi, on their way to the Rocky Mountains. November 
10, 1846, Lieutenant William W. Willis was also ordered 
back to Pueblo with another company of sick — fifty-six 
men — from a point about one hundred miles out from Santa 
Fe. They commenced their journey with one wagon, four 
yoke of oxen, and rations barely sufficient to last them five 
days, on a march of three hundred miles. After a most 
severe and toilsome journey, in which they all suffered many 
privations and some laid down their lives, the company ar- 
rived in Pueblo, in an emaciated condition, December 24, 
1846. 

The March From Santa Fe. — The march of the bat- 
talion from Santa Fe was taken up October 19, 1846. They 
had not traveled very far before they were reduced to the ex- 
tremity of using their poor oxen, which were barely skin and 
bones, for food. Even their raw hides were cut in small 
pieces and made into soup. At times they crossed deserts 
where water could not be found to quench their thirst, and 
their tongues became swollen and their lips parched until 
their strength failed them. 

Colonel Cooke's Comment. — Writing of the condition 
of the battalion when he took command, Colonel Cooke 
made a report in the following words : 

"Everything conspired to discourage the extraordinary 
undertaking of marching this battalion eleven hundred miles, 
for the much greater part through an unknown wilderness, 
without road or trail, and with a wagon train. 



428 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

"It was enlisted too much by families ; some were too 
old — some feeble, and some too young; it was embarrassed 
by many women; it was undisciplined; it was much worn 
by traveling on foot, and marching from Nauvoo, Illinois; 
their clothing was very scant; there was no money to pay 
them, or clothing to issue; their mules were utterly broken 
down; the quartermaster department was without funds, 
and its credit bad ; mules were scarce. Those procured were 
very inferior, and were deteriorating every hour for lack of 
forage or grazing. * * * 

"With every effort, the quartermaster could only under- 
take to furnish rations for sixty days; and, in fact, full ra- 
tions, of only flour, sugar, coffee and salt; salt pork only 
for thirty days, and soap for twenty. To venture without 
pack-saddles would be grossly imprudent, and so that bur- 
den was added. 6 " 

A Battle with Wild Bulls. — A short distance north- 
west of the site of the present city of El Paso the course of 
the march was towards the west. On the San Pedro River 
they encountered herds of wild cattle, and were viciously 
attacked by ferocious bulls. The troops had been ordered to 
travel with unloaded guns, but now they were hastily forced 
to load without waiting the command. These vicious ani- 
mals, as if resenting the encroachment on their domain, 
made a charge upon the camp. This constituted the only 
fighting the troops were called upon to do on their long 
and toilsome march. When the battle was over the casualties 
revealed a number of gored mules and overturned wagons, 
and among the "enemy" perhaps some sixty of the charg- 
ing animals were killed. Resuming their journey they 
camped on the 16th of December, near the Mexican pueblo 
of Tucson. On their way they met three Mexican soldiers 
bringing a mesage from the governor of Tucson to Colonel 
Cooke, informing him that he must pass around the town, 
or else he would have to fight. Colonel Cooke was not to 
be frightened by such an order. His route would take him 



^''Conquest of New Mexico and California," by P. St. George 
Cooke, p. 91-2, 



THE MORMON BATTALION 429 

through the village, and hither he resumed his march. The 
following day he passed through Tucson without meeting 
opposition, as the soldiers and a great many of the citizens 
had fled on his approach. Before arriving at that place he 
instructed his men that they came not to make war on 
Sonora, and less still to destroy an important outpost of 
defense against Indians. "But," said he, "we will take the 
straight road before us and overcome all resistance, but 
shall I remind you that the American soldier ever shows 
justice and kindness to the unarmed and unresisting? The 
property of individuals you will hold sacred: the people of 
Sonora are not our enemies." 

The Journey From Tucson. — Leaving Tucson, the 
battalion crossed an extensive desert, where, for seventy- 
five miles, they were without water for their mules. By 
hard marching they reached the Gila Rivei and intersected 
General Kearny's trail, which they had left 474 miles be- 
hind in the valley of the Rio Grande. They were now in the 
land of the Pima and Maricopa Indians who inhabited a 
fertile territory. These were a superior race of Indians 
with peaceful tendencies, who spent their time tilling the 
soil, and in weaving rather than bearing arms. While pass- 
ing through these villages Colonel Cooke remarked to Cap- 
tain Jefferson Hunt that this might be a good place for the 
settlement of the "Mormon" people. Hunt proposed such 
a thing to the natives who received it favorably, and this 
may have lent its weight to the colonizing of these valleys 
by the Latter-day Saints in later years. 

At this point they were met by pilots sent back by 
General Kearny to conduct them to the Pacific coast. Most 
of the distance on the remaining journey was over deserts 
with alternating stretches of deep sand and miry clay. Janu- 
ary 9, 1847, they crossed the Colorado, near the junction of 
the Gila, and continued their march under great difficulties 
over the coast range down the Pacific slope. January 27, 
1847, they passed San Luis Rey, and two days later arrived 
at the San Diego Mission where they located one mile below 



430 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

the Catholic mission, and about five miles from the seaport 
town of San Diego, where General Kearny had his quarters. 

"Orders No. 1." — On the day after their arrival at 
San Diego, Colonel Cooke issued the following orders, 
which were read to the men: 

"Headquarters 'Mormon' Battalion, 
"Mission of San Diego, 
"January 30, 1847." 
"(Orders No. 1.) 

"The Lieutenant-Colonel commanding, congratulates 
the battalion on their safe arrival on the shore of the Pa- 
cific Ocean, and the conclusion of their march of over two 
thousand miles. 

"History may be searched in vain for an equal march of 
infantry. Half of it has been through a wilderness where 
nothing but savages and wild beasts are found, or deserts 
where, for want of water, there is no living creature. There, 
with almost hopeless labor, we have dug deep wells, which 
the future traveler will enjoy. Without a guide who had 
traversed them we have ventured into trackless table-lands 
where water was not found for several marches. With crow-- 
bar and pick and axe in hand, we have worked our way over 
mountains, which seemed to defy aught save the wild goat, 
and hewed a passage through a chasm of living rock more 
narrow than our wagons. To bring these first wagons to 
the Pacific, we have preserved the strength of our mules 
by herding them over large tracts, which you have labor- 
iously guarded without loss. The garrison of four presidios 
of Sonora concentrated within the walls of Tucson, gave us 
no pause. We drove them out, with their artillery, but our 
intercourse with the citizens was unmarked by a single act 
of injustice. Thus, marching half naked and half fed, and 
living upon wild animals, we have discovered and made a 
road of great value to our country. 

"Arrived at the first settlement of California, after a 
single day's rest, you cheerfully turned off from the route 
to this point of promised repose, to enter upon a campaign, 
and meet, as we supposed, the approach of the enemy ; and 



THE MORMON BATTALION 431 

this, too, without even salt to season your sole subsistence 
of fresh meat. 

"Lieutenants A. J. Smith and George Stoneman, of the 
First Dragoons, have shared and given invaluable aid in all 
these labors. 

"Thus, volunteers, you have exhibited some high and es- 
sential qualities of veterans. But much remains undone. 
Soon you will turn your attention to the drill, to system and 
order, to forms also, which are all necessary to the soldier. 
"By order, 

"Lieut. Col. P. St. George Cooke, 
"P. C. Merrill, Adjutant." 

Duties on the Coast. — For some time the battalion 
performed garrison duty at San Diego, San Luis Rey and 
Los Angeles. While stationed at the latter place they were 
called upon to guard the Cajon Pass, in the Sierra Nevada 
mountains, against hostile Indians. At San Diego they 
were employed digging wells, making brick and building 
houses. Their frugality and industry won the admiration of 
the other troops, except the Mdssourians of General Fre- 
mont's command, who endeavored to create prejudice 
against them. 

The Discharge of the Battalion — Stevenson's Insult. 
— July 16, 1847, all of the battalion at Los Angeles were 
mustered out of service by Captain Smith. The time of 
their enlistment had expired and the prophecy of President 
Brigham Young that they would not be called upon to fight, 
had been fulfilled. Some of the men, at the request of 
Colonel Stevenson, of the New York Volunteers, re-en- 
listed for six months. Others might have done so, but he 
insulted them by saying : "Your patriotism and obedience to 
your officers have done much towards removing the preju- 
dice of the government and the community at large, and I am 
satisfied that another year's service would place you on a 
level with other communities." 

The Journey to Salt Lake Valley.— On the 20th of 
July most of the members of the battalion, who did not 



432 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

enlist, organized preparatory to going to the Rocky Moun- 
tains to the gathering place of the Saints. They went by 
way of Sutter's Fort and the Sacramento River, intend- 
ing to follow Fremont's trail across the Sierras. Near Lake 
Tahoe, they met Samuel Brannan and Captain Brown of 
the Pueblo detachment who were on the way to California, 
and learned that the pioneers had entered the Salt Lake 
Valley. Captain Brown carried with him an epistle from 
the apostles advising all members of the battalion who had 
no means, to remain in California for the winter, and journey 
to the Salt Lake Valley in the spring. Acting on this ad- 
vice about one half of the members obtained employment 
at Sutter's Fort, where they were employed at the time of 
the discovery of gold. The others pushed on to the Salt 
Lake Valley where they arrived October 16, 1847. 



CHAPTER 39 

THE PIONEERS 
1847 

Revelation to President Brigham Young. — January 
14, 1847, the word of the Lord came to President Brig- 
ham Young, at Winter Quarters, giving instructions for 
the guidance of the camps of Israel on their journeyings to 
the west. The Saints were to be organized into companies, 
with captains over hundreds, fifties and tens, as the case 
had been while journeying across Iowa. These companies 
were to be presided over by a president and two counselors, 
under the direction of the Twelve Apostles, who were at 
the head of all the camps of Israel. The Saints were to 
enter into a covenant "to keep all the commandments and 
statutes of the Lord ;" and each company was to bear an 
equal proportion of the responsibility in the care of the 
widows, the fatherless, and the families of those who had 
gone into the army. Every man was commanded to use 
his influence and property to remove the body of the people 
to the place the Lord had designated as a stake of Zion; 
and if they would do this they were to be blessed abun- 
dantly in their substance and in their families. Moreover, 
they were to prepare houses and fields for those who were 
to remain behind that season, that they might prepare also 
for the journey. 

Cheerfulness Commanded. — "If thou art merry," the 
revelation read (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 136), "praise the Lord 
with singing, with music, with dancing, and with prayer of 
praise and thanksgiving. If thou art sorrowful, call on the 
Lord thy God with supplication, that your souls may be 
joyful." During their travels in the wilderness the exiled 
Saints had many hardships to endure. The lack of neces- 
sary food, of clothing and other substance, was lamentable. 
Yet, in the midst of poverty and distress, they were happy 

29 



434 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

for they were free from enemies and the persecutions of 
mobs. They were going to a land of promise where they 
could dwell in peace, and worship the Lord without fear of 
men. The Lord desired that they should be cheerful and 
promised to bless them with his Spirit, in the hour of their 
sorrow, if they would call upon him. That they might be 
light of heart and filled with joy, the Lord commended 
music, singing and dancing, if done in the spirit of rever- 
ence and prayer. It was the custom, at the close of the day's 
journey, for the Saints to assemble in the dance, or to have 
an informal concert; to relate reminiscences and otherwise 
employ their time, that the cares and hardships of their 
travel might be forgotten, and their burdens lessened which 
they were forced to bear. a At the sound of the bugle, night 



"Outcasts from "civilization," with little to cat and little to 
wear; with few expressions of sympathy, and less help ex- 
tended in their direction, it was only natural that the Saints 
on the plains at times would be despondent. President Young 
constanly labored to cheer and strengthen them. Shortly be- 
fore the departure of the Pioneer band, he requested Elder 
William Clayton to write something that would encourage the 
people. WSthin two hours Elder Clayton had written the fol- 
lowing remarkable hymn, and set it to the music of "All is 
Well," an old English tune : — 



Come, come,, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear, 

But with joy wend your way; 
Though hard to you this journey may appear, 

Grace shall be as your day. 

'Tis better far for us to strive, 

Our useless cares from us to drive. 

Do this, and joy your hearts will swell — 

All is well! all is well! 

* * * 

And should we die before our journey's through, 

Happy day! all is well! 
We then are free from toil and sorrow too; 

With the just we shall dwell. 
But if our lives are spared again 
To see the Saints, their rest obtain, 
O how we'll make this chorus swell — 
All is well! all is well! 



THE PIONEERS 



435 



and morning, all assembled for prayer. The Sabbath day was 
strictly kept, and undue levity was discountenanced in all 
the camps. They were commanded to be honest, sober, un- 
selfish and to "contend not one with another," but always 
speak with edifying words. 

The Pioneers. — It was commanded in the revelation 
that a company be organized to depart early in the spring, 
composed of a sufficient number of able-bodied and expe- 
rienced men, with teams, seeds and farming utensils, to 




ELKHORN RIVER CROSSING 



prepare for the planting of spring crops. As spring ap- 
proached preparations were under way for the departure of 
this pioneer band, and for other companies, as the Saints 
were able, to follow after. February 26, 1847, President Brig- 
ham Young met in council with the members of the twelve 
who were at Winter Quarters and Bishop Newel K. Whit- 
ney, William Clayton and Jedediah M. Grant. The object 
of this meeting was to consider the appointment of a pioneer 
company and their requirements for the journey. The 



436 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

matter of constructing boats, the carrying of seeds, scientific 
investigations, the location of a site for a city, the irrigation, 
cultivation and seeding of the land, were all fully discussed. 
This is the first reference, so far as the records show, of the 
discussion of irrigation, which President Young and the 
brethren felt would be necessary for their sustenance in their 
new home. 

The Departure for the West. — Elder Heber C. Kim- 
ball, under instructions from President Brigham Young, 
moved out of Winter Quarters, April 5, 1847, with six 
wagons, which he had equipped as a part of the. pioneer 
company. They traveled about six miles and camped, await- 
ing the arrival of the rest of the company. On the 6th of 
April, the general conference was held in Winter Quarters, 
and the following day President Young, with about twenty- 
five wagons, traveled some ten miles and camped. From 
this point the company which had asembled, continued 
their journey to the Elkhorn River, where the information 
reached them that Elder Parley P. Pratt had arrived at 
Winter Quarters from his mission to England, and that 
Elder John Taylor was on the way. President Young de- 
cided to return, with other members of the twelve, to re- 
ceive Elder Pratt's report of conditions in that foreign fields 
A few days later Elder John Taylor also arrived, bringing 
with him two thousand dollars in gold, contributed by the 
Saints in Great Britain, to help the exiles on their westward 



& Elders Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt and John Taylor had been 
sent to England, after the exodus from Nauvoo, to set the Brit- 
ish Mission in order. Elders Reuben Hedlock and Thomas Ward, 
who were in charge, had misappropriated the funds of "The 
Joint Stock Company," an organization which had been formed 
for the purpose of assisting the Saints of the British Isles to 
emigrate. The three apostles took charge of affairs and soon had 
the mission again in a flourishing condition. Early in 1847, they 
again returned to the United States, Elders Pratt and Taylor pre- 
ceding Elder Hyde, who remained to install Elder Orson Spencer 
as president of that mission. Elder Orson Spencer, a man of 
culture and superior education, performed an excellent work and 
under his ministry the mission flourished. 



THE PIONEERS 



437 



journey. He also had with him a number of scientific in- 
struments of great value, including two sextants, one circle 
of reflection, two artificial horizons, and a number of ba- 
rometers, thermometers and telescopes. 

Organization of the Pioneer Camp. — Leaving Elders 
Pratt and Taylor — and later Orson Hyde who joined them 
from. England — in charge of the Saints at Winter Quarters, 
President Young, with the other apostles, returned to the 
pioneer camp, which had journeyed to a position twelve 




CAMP AT WOOD RIVER 



miles west of the Elkhorn, and some forty-seven miles west 
of Winter Quarters. President Young's departure from 
Winter Quarters was on the morning of April 14, 1847, and 
on the 16th, the pioneer camp was organized with captains 
of hundreds, fifties and tens, as follows : 

Captains of Hundreds : Stephen Markham and Albert 
P. Rockwood. 

Captains of Fifties: Addison Everett, Tarlton Lewis, 
James Case, John Pack, Shadrack Roundy. 



438 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Captains of Tens : Wilford Woodruff, Ezra T. Benson, 
Phineas H. Young, Luke S. Johnson,* 7 Stephen G. Goddard, 
Charles Shumway, James Case, Seth Taft, Howard Egan, 
Appleton M. Harmon, John S. Higbee, Norton Jacobs, John 
Brown, and Joseph Matthews. 

The total number of souls in the camp was one hundred 
and forty-eight, of whom three were women and two were 
children. The women were : Harriet Page Wheeler Young, 
wife of Lorenzo D. Young; Clarissa Decker Young, wife 
of Brigham Young, and Ellen Saunders Kimball, wife of 
Heber C. Kimball. Three of the company were colored: 
Hark Lay, Oscar Crosby and Green Flake, who had come 
west with the emigrants from Mississippi, under command 
of John Brown in the summer of 1846. Originally the 
pioneer company was composed of one hundred and forty- 
four men, but one, Ellis Ames, was taken sick and returned 
to Winter Quarters soon after the start. Two of the 
pioneers were not members of the Church. 

Military Organization. — In addition to the organiza- 
tion mentioned, on April 17, they were also organized into 
a military camp with President Brigham Young as lieu- 
tenant-general; Stephen Markham, colonel; John Pack and 
Shadrack Roundy, majors; and the captains of tens, as 
formerly organized, to hold similar rank in the military or- 
ganization. Thomas Bullock was appointed clerk of the 
camp, with some assistants, and Thomas Tanner, captain of 
the cannon, with the privilege of choosing eight men to assist 
him. 

Division of the Watch. — The captains of tens selected 
forty-eight men for a constant night guard. They were di- 



c Luke S. Johnson formerly of the council of the apostles, came 
to Nauvco in 1846 in a repentant spirit, and asked to be rein- 
stated in- the Church. He was baptized and was forced to leave 
that place with the body of the Saints. He was chosen as one 
of the pioneer band to come in advance to the Salt Lake Valley. 
In the year 1858, he settled at St. Johns, Tooele County, where 
he was ordained a bishop. He died in §alt Lake City, December 
9, 1861. 



THE PIONEERS 439 

vided into four watches to serve half a night at a time. Presi- 
dent Young and others of the twelve were among the mem- 
bers of this guard. As there was danger of Indian raids, 
orders were given that every man should keep by the side of 
his wagon and not leave it except by permission, and he 
should carry a loaded gun always ready for instant use. 

Regulations of the Camp. — Sunday, April 18, 1847,. in 
the afternoon, President Young met with the captains of 
the camp and decided on the details for the government of 
the camp as follows: 

"At 5 o'clock in the morning the bugle is to be sounded 
as a signal for every man to arise and attend prayers before 
he leaves his wagon. Then the people will engage in cook- 
ing, eating, feeding teams, etc., until 7 o'clock, at which 
time the train is to move at the sound of the bugle. Each 
teamster is to keep beside his team with loaded gun in hand 
or within easy reach, while the extra men, observing the 
same rule regarding their weapons, are to walk by the side 
of their particular wagons to which they belong; and no 
man may leave his post without permission of his officer. In 
case of an attack or any hostile demonstration by Indians, 
the wagons will travel in double file — the order of encamp- 
ment to be in a circle, with the mouth of each wagon to the 
outside and the horses and cattle tied inside the circle. At 
8 :30 p. m., the bugles are to be sounded again, upon which 
signal all will hold prayers in their wagons, and be retired 
to rest by 9 o'clock/' 

The Route of Travel. — The line of travel taken by 
the pioneers was along the north bank of the Platte River 
to Fort Laramie, and from there they crossed the river, and 
continued over the Oregon trail up the Sweetwater and over 
the Continental divide through the South Pass across Green 
River to Fort Bridger. They then traveled to the south- 
west through Echo Canyon, and East Canyon over Big and 
Little Mountain into Emigration Canyon, and then to the 
valley of the Great Salt Lake. 

On the south side of the Platte was the Oregon trail, 
but the pioneers remained on the north bank where there 



440 



ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



was no trail, for reasons expressed by Elder Wilford Wood- 
ruff as follows: 

"We were convinced that it would be better for us as a 
company to cross the river and take the old traveled road 
to Laramie as there was good grass all the way on that 
side, while the Indians were burning it all off on the north 
of the river where we were traveling. But when we took 
into consideration the situation of the next company, and 
the thousands that would follow, and as we were the 
Pioneers and had not our wives and children with us — we 
thought it best to keep .on the north side of the river and 
brave the difficulties of burning prairies to make a road 
that should stand as a permanent route for the Saints, in- 
dependent of the then immigrant road, and let the river 




PIONEER ROUTE 

separate the emigrating companies that they need not quar- 
rel for wood, grass, or water; and when our next com- 
pany came along, the grass would be much better for them 
than it would be on the south side, as it would grow up by 
the time they would get along ; and the vote was called and 
it was unanimous to go on the north side of the river; so 
the camp again moved on." 

Measuring the Distance. — The pioneers were anxious 
to know the distance of each day's travel and the length 
of the entire journey. In order to obtain this information 
they first resorted to guess work, but this proved unsatis- 
factory. They then tied a piece of cloth to a wheel of one 
of the wagons and a man was placed on duty to count the 
revolutions. However, this was tedious though accurate if 



THE PIONEERS 



441 



the count was correctly kept. April 19 William Clayton 
suggested to Orson Pratt that a set of wooden cog wheels 
might be attached to the wheel of a wagon to record the 
distance automatically. The result was that an odometer was 
constructed on "the principle of the endless screw" and was 
installed during the month of May, after they were well 
along on the journey. 

Dangers on the Way. — The pioneers were under the 
necessity of keeping constantly on the alert to protect them- 
selves from attacks by Indians. They had considerable 
anxiety while passing through the Pawnee tribes. At times 
the brethren were fired upon. The Indians made several 
attempts at night to creep into the camp, evidently to plunder 
and steal animals. At one time before the camp was or- 
ganized for the night they were successful in stealing two 
of the best horses belonging to Dr. Willard Richards and 
Jesse C. Little. The following day, April 27, a party was 
sent out to search for the missing animals. They encoun- 




CHIMNEY ROCK 



442 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

tered a number of Indians who endeavored to decoy them 
to a point where the brethren would be in their power, but 
they were on the alert and well armed, so the Indians dared 
not make an attack. As the brethren prepared to return to 
camp the Indians fired upon them, whereupon the search- 
ing party turned upon their foe, and the Indians hastily 
fled. 

Not all of the Indians, however, were hostile. Generally 
they showed a fiiendly spirit, but were ever ready to com- 
mit theft. The brethren at times gave them a few articles 
such as powder, lead, flour and salt. 

Correspondence on the Plains. — On the 4th of May, 
after the camp had proceeded about two miles on their way, 
they were met by a Frenchman, Charles Beaumont, a trap- 
per and fur trader, who was traveling eastward over the 
Oregon road with a camp consisting of three wagons and 
nine men. He crossed the river to find out who the pioneers 
were. During his interview he cheerfully consented to carry 
letters back to the Saints, so the brethren wrote some fifty or 
sixty letters and left them in his care. Other means of 
communication with the later companies on the plains 
were adopted. Posts were placed at prominent points along 
the road with writing on them and letters were placed in im- 
provised boxes with a notice on the box. At other times 
they used whitened skulls of the buffalo. Over a portion of 
the journey, especially from Fort Laramie, the pioneers 
planted mile posts every ten miles as the distance was 
measured by their odometer. 

Scientific Observations. — Astronomical observations 
were constantly taken. The temperature was recorded daily, 
also the altitude as shown by barometrical pressure. This 
was done under the able direction of Elder Orson Pratt, one 
of the great scientists of his time. 

Crossing of the Platte. — At Fort Laramie the pioneers 
were forced to cross the Platte owing to the fact that the 
north side of the river was impassable. They hired a flatboat 
from a Frenchman, Mr. James Bordeaux, who was in 



THE PIONEERS 



443 







FORT LARAMIE 

charge of the post. They paid him fifteen dollars for the 
accommodation. Mr. Bordeaux treated the brethren very 
kindly, and informed them that Lilburn W. Boggs, with a 
company of Missourians en route to Oregon, left the fort 
but a short time before. These emigrants had endeavored 
to embitter him against the "Mormons." The Missourians, 
he said, were constantly quarreling and were great 
thieves. Bordeaux gave the pioneers information regard- 
ing the route before them and said the Crow Indians were 
troublesome and had lately run off all the horses and mules 
from the fort. 

The Mississippi Emigrants. — Soon after the pioneers 
arrived at Fort Laramie they were joined by a company of 
seventeen emigrants of the Mississippi Saints who had 
wintered at Pueblo, where the sick detachments of the Mor- 
mon Battalion, under command of Captains Brown and Hig- 
gins, were also stationed. They had been at the fort two 
weeks awaiting the arrival of the pioneers. These emigrants 
consisted of the members of the Crow and Therlkill fam- 
ilies, others being Archibald Little, James Chesney and 
Lewis B. Myers. They had five wagons, one cart, eleven 



444 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

horses, twenty-four oxen, twenty-two cows, three bulls and 
seven calves. From these Mississippi Saints the pioneers 
obtained their first knowledge in many months, of the bat- 
talion. Four of the pioneers, Amasa M. Lyman, Thomas 
Woolsey, John H. Tippits, and Roswell Stevens, were sent 
to Pueblo on horse-back and with mules, to take charge of 
the remaining body of the Mississippians and conduct them 
to the Salt Lake Valley. 

The Ferry at the Black Hills.— From Winter Quar- 
ters to Fort Laramie the Pioneers had broken a new road 
over the plains, which was destined to be traveled by the 
emigrating Saints for many years. Subsequently the Union 
Pacific Railroad was built along a great portion of the 
trail. Continuing their journey, the pioneers arrived, Sat- 
urday, June 12, 1847, at the Black Hills, where the Oregon 
road crossed the Platte, some one hundred and forty-two 
miles from Fort Laramie. Here they overtook the Oregon 
emigrants, including the Missourians. The pioneers had 
sent an advance company three days before to prepare for 
the crossing of the river, with a sole-leather skiff capable 
of carrying eighteen hundred pounds. These brethren were 
employed in ferrying the emigrants over the river at the 
rate of $1.50 for each wagon load, receiving their pay in 
flour, meal and bacon, at Missouri prices. Their stock of 
provisions at this time was in need of replenishing, and to 
have the privilege of ferrying their old enemies from Mis- 
souri over the river at this price, gave them some satis- 
faction. "It looked as much of a miracle to me," said Elder 
Wilford Woodruff, "to see our flour and meal bags re- 
plenished in the Black Hills, as it did to have the children of 
Israel fed with manna in the wilderness. But the Lord has 
been truly with us on our journey, and has wonderfully 
blessed and preserved us." The Missourians kept on their 
way, quarreling, cursing and fighting among themselves, 
while the brethren camped, as was their custom, on the 
Sabbath day. Monday, June 14, they commenced crossing 
the river, taking their wagons on light rafts made of poles. 
It was concluded to leave several brethren at this ferry, to 



THE PIONEERS 445 

help the oncoming emigrant trains for Oregon, in the hope 
of earning enough to supply the pioneer company with 
provisions. For this purpose Thomas Grover, John S. Hig- 
bee, Luke S. Johnson, Appleton M. Harmon, Edmund Ells- 
worth, Francis M. Pomeroy, William Empey, James Daven- 
port and Benjamin F. Stewart, were detailed to remain. 

Discouraging Reports. — In this region of the country 
the pioneers were constantly meeting with trappers and 
traders who were familiar with the Salt Lake Valley. They 
all gave discouraging reports of that region and advised the 
Saints to locate elsewhere. They spoke more favorably of 
the Cache, the Bear and other valleys to the north. Among 
those giving this adverse advice were Major Moses Harris, 
Thomas L. Smith and Colonel James Bridger. The latter 
informed President Young that he deemed it unwise to 
bring a large colony into the Great Basin until it was demon- 
strated that it would be possible to raise grain there. He 
stated that he would give a thousand dollars if he knew an 
ear of corn could ripen in Salt Lake Valley. Undaunted by 
these unfavorable reports President Young with his band 
of pioneers pushed on with great vigor. 

The Meeting with Samuel Brannan. — Wednesday, 
June 30, 1847, the pioneers arrived at the Green River. The 
water was very high, with a swift current. After dinner 
the brethren commenced making two rafts with which to 
cross the stream. While they were at work Samuel Brannan 
came into the camp, having come from San Francisco. He 
had traveled around Cape Horn, from New York to Cal- 
ifornia, with a company of emigrating Saints in the year 
1846. Brannan and two others had braved the dangers of 
the mountains through deep snows to reach the camp of the 
pioneers, having left on the 4th of April. He brought with 
him several numbers of his paper, The California Star, and 
the latest news of the Mormon Battalion. He labored dil- 
igently to get President Young to continue on to California 
and not remain in the barren wastes of the Rocky Moun- 
tains. President Young, however, was following the inspi- 



446 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

ration of the Lord, and not the wisdom of man. The Lord 
had pointed out to him — as he had to the Prophet Joseph 
Smith in 1842 — that the place of settlement for the Latter- 
day Saints was in the "midst of the Rocky Mountains." 

An Uninviting Country. — It should be remembered 
that in 1847, the Salt Lake Valley was desolate and uninvit- 
ing. There was little vegetation save the stubby growth of 
salt-grass, grease-wood and sage that covered the valley, 
and the few willows and cottonwood trees that stood on 
the banks of the canyon streams. At that time the Rocky 
Mountain region and a large part of the plains to the east 
were little known. The few emigrants who had passed 
through the Great Basin had made haste to get beyond and 
into the more inviting parts on the Pacific coast. This vast 
inter-mountain country was the haunt of the trapper and the 
hunter, to whom the possibilities and resources of the arid 
west were not even a dream. The valleys of the moun- 
tains had been occupied for upwards of twenty years by 
these nomads of the desert, who wandered from place to 
place hunting and trapping, content in the belief that the 
wild and primitive condition which then prevailed must so 
remain forever. 

As late as 1843, two years before the exodus, the opinion 
held by the majority in the United States was that the 
whole territory of the Rocky Mountains was not worth a 
"pinch of snuff." Such was the expression made by Senator 
George H. McDuffie, of South Carolina, in the senate that 
year . Discussing the settlement of Oregon, he said : "Who 
are to go there, along the line of military posts, and take 
possession of the only part of the territory fit to occupy — 
that part upon the sea coast, a strip less than one hundred 
miles in width. Why, sir, of what use will this be for ag- 
ricultural purposes? I would not for that purpose give a 
pinch of snuff for the whole territory. I wish to God we 
did not own it." d 






^Congressional Globe, 27th Congress, 3rd Session, pp. 198-201. 






THE PIONEERS 447 

The inspiration which came to the Prophet Joseph Smith 
in 1842 — and even earlier and which was converted into 
reality by Brigham Young — shines forth with increased 
lustre when placed in contrast with the united opinions of 
all those who were familiar with the land in the year 1847. 

Arrival of the Battalion Members from Pueblo. — 

July 1, 1847, the men commenced ferrying over Green River 
which was continued until Saturday the 3rd. In the eve- 
ning of Saturday, the camp was called together and the 
men who desired to journey back to meet their families 
who were on the plains and supposed to be several hundred 
miles in the rear, were given that privilege. Five volun- 
teered to return. President Young, Heber C. Kimball and 
Willard Richards accompanied the five brethren back to 
the ferry on Green River. Here they saw a group of thir- 
teen men, with horses and baggage on the opposite side of 
the river ready to be ferried across. They were members 
of the Mormon Battalion journeying from Pueblo. They 
were given three cheers and President YoUng "led out in 
exclaiming Hosannah ! Hosannah! Give glory to God and 
the Lamb, Amen!" These men were in pursuit of horse 
thieves who had stolen several of the battalion horses, of 
which they had recovered all but one or two. They reported 
to President Young that the Pueblo detachment of the bat- 
talion was within seven days march of the Green River. It 
was decided that as the members of the battalion had not 
been discharged nor had they received their pay, Samuel 
Brannan and Thomas S. Williams should return with them 
to California to pilot them on the way. Brannan was greatly 
disappointed at the decision of President Young to locate 
in the Salt Lake Valley. 

President Young and companions returned to the pio- 
neer camp with twelve of the members of the battalion, Sun- 
* day afternoon, July 4. One of the soldiers, William Walker, 



448 



ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 




had decided to accompany 
the five brethren beck to the 
camps of the Saints. Sun- 
day was spent by the pio- 
neers in religious service un- 
der the direction of the 
bishops. 

Orson Pratt's Vanguard. 
—Monday, July 5, 1847, the 
company took up their march 
and arrived at Fort Bridger 
on the 7th, where they camp- 
ed. Here they repaired the 
wagons and shod their horses, 
preparatory for the rough 
mountain travel which would 
lead them to the end of their 
journey. July 9, they con- 
tinued on to the head of Echo 
Canyon, which was reached on the 12th. At this place 
President Young was taken ill with mountain fever. He 
ordered Elder Orson Pratt to take a company and precede 
the main body of pioneers into th Salt Lake Valley. This 
advance company, consisting of twenty-five wagons and 
forty-two men, traveled down Echo Canyon, with in- 
structions to look for the trail of the Reed-Donner 
party/ This they found after some difficulty, for it was 



ORSON PRATT 



*The Reed-Donner party, comprised seventy-eight men, women 
and children, under the direction of James F. Reed and George 
Donner, who left Independence in May, 1846, for California. They 
came via Fort Bridger, Echo and East Canyons through Emigra- 
tion and westward through the Salt Lake and Tooele Valleys, 
around the south end of Salt Lake. Delayed by many misfortunes, 
they were caught in the snows in the Sierras in the winter of 
1846, where many of them perished. Near the close of that year 
several of the ill-fated party put on snowshoes and crossed to 
the Sacramento Valley for relief. A relief expedition was sent 
back and found that the survivors had been living for weeks on 
the flesh of their dead, like cannibals. Thirty-nine of the original 
company had perished. 



THE PIONEERS 



449 






almost obliterated. It was necessary for a detachment with 
proper tools to go on ahead and construct a road for the 
wagons. From this point on to their destination, they en- 
countered the most difficult portion of the road over which 
they traveled. They passed down into East Canyon and 
over Big and Little Mountains into Emigration Canyon, 
which they named "Last Creek." July 21, President Brig- 
ham Young sent Erastus Snow to meet Orson Pratt with 
a message for him to bear northward after entering the 
valley, and select the first convenient place for plowing 
and planting seed. The reason for this apparent haste 
was that the season was well advanced and every moment 
counted in the growing of their seed. Elder Snow over- 
took Orson Pratt on the afternoon of the 21st and together 
they entered the valley, with one horse between them. See- 
ing what looked like a field of waving grain to the south, 
they first journeyed in that direction only to find that they 
saw canes growing near the banks of what is known today 
as Mill Creek. Remem- 
bering the words of Presi- 
dent Young, they retrac- 
ed their steps and passed 
on to the north. When 
near the mouth of Emi- 
gration Canyon, Erastus 
Sndw discovered he had 
lost his coat which was 
thrown over the saddle 
and he went back to find 
it, while Orson Pratt con- 
tinued on to the north to 
the present site of Salt 
Lake City. The following 
day others of the advance 
company entered the val- 
ley. 

The Land Dedicated. 
— July 23, they moved 

30 




ERASTUS SNOW 



450 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

north and camped on what was subsequently known as the 
Eighth ward square, now occupied by the Salt Lake City 
and County Building. Orson Pratt called the camp together, 
dedicated the land and invoked a blessing on the seed they 
were about to plant. The ground was found so hard that 
the first attempt to plow was unsuccessful, and several 
plow-points were broken. By placing a dam in the stream 
(City Creek) they soaked the ground and in the course of 
a few days several acres were plowed and planted. The 
season being so late nothing came of their planting, save 
the garnering of potatoes about the size of a pea or a wal- 
nut, which served for seed the following year and pro- 
duced a good crop. 

"This is the Place."— On the 24th of July, 1847, 
President Brigham Young with the main body of the pio- 
neers, entered the valley. He was resting in a carriage 
driven by Elder Wilford Woodruff and as they emerged 
from the canyon and pulled up onto a ridge President Young, 
who was ill, requested Elder Woodruff to turn his carriage 
around so that he could look upon the valley. This was 
done, and President Young gazed in silence for a few mo- 
ments. Then with an expression of satisfaction, he said, 
"This is the place, drive on." They entered into the valley 
and camped with the members who had preceded them. They 
had found the promised land and a resting place for their 
weary feet, where they could fulfil the predictions of the 
Prophet Joseph Smith, and become a mighty people in the 
midst of the Rocky Mountains. 



CHAPTER 40 

IN "THE LAND OF PROMISE." 
1847 

The First Sabbath in the Valley.— July 25, 1847, was 

the Sabbath. It was a pleasant day. and at ten o'clock 
the pioneers met in worship in the circle of their encamp- 
ment. Elders George A. Smith. Heber C. Kimball and Ezra 
T. Benson were the speakers. They expressed gratitude 
for the blessings of the Lord during their travels to this 
promised land. Xot a soul had died on the toilsome journey. 
In the afternoon another service was held and the sacra- 
ment was administered. Elders Wilford Woodruff, Orson 
Pratt and Willard Richards were the speakers at this ser- 
vice. The principal address was given by Elder Pratt who 
took for his text, Isaiah 52:7-8: "How beautiful upon the 
mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings : 
that publisheth peace," etc. He stated that the predictions 
of the prophets were now being fulfilled. 

President Young's Advice. — President Young was too 
feeble to make any extended remarks, but near the close of 
the services he gave some very important advice. Elder 
Wilford Woodruff made a synopsis of his remarks as fol- 
lows : "He told the brethren that they must not work on 
Sunday ; that they would lose five times as much as they 
.would gain by it. None were to hunt on that day ; and 
there should not any man dwell among us who would not 
observe these rules. They might go and dwell where they 
pleased, but should not dwell with us. He also said that no 
man who came here should buy any land : that he had none 
to sell, but every man should have his land measured out to 
him for city and farming purposes. He might till it as he 
pleased, but he must be industrious and take care of it." 
Later, instructions were given that there should be no private 
ownership of the streams, and only dead timber should be 



452 



ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



used for fuel, as trees were none too plentiful and should 
be conserved. These regulations were adopted by the com- 
munity in justice to all, for it was expected that within a 
very short time the Saints who were then on the plains 
— the exiles from Nauvoo, some twenty thousand in num- 
ber — and others coming from various states and from 
Europe, would be gathered to the Rocky Mountains. 

Explorations of the Valley. — Naturally the pioneers 
were impatient to explore the surrounding country. Their 
first duty was to plant the seed they brought with them. 
Plowing began on the 23rd and continued during the 24th. 




SALT LAKE VALLEY IN 1847 



Monday morning, July 26th, a number of exploring com- 
panies were sent out, including the eight apostles in the 
camp and Elders Albert Carrington, William Clayton, John 
Brown and Joseph Matthews. The two latter crossed the 
river, which was called the Utah Outlet and later the West- 
ern Jordan, and ascended the mountains on the west of the 
valley. They reported, on their return, that the land on 
that side of the valley was not as good as the land on the 
east side. Some of the brethren penetrated some of the 
canyons where they found timber of good quality. Pres- 
ident Young, Wilford Woodruff and others of the brethren 



IN "THE LAND OF PROMISE" 453 

visited the hot and also the warm springs at the north end 
of the valley, and made some observations. Their explora- 
tions continued for several days. On the 27th of July, they 
explored the Tooele Valley. On the way they had a bath 
in the lake and were much surprised at the buoyancy of 
the water. That night they camped at Black Rock and 
the following day they traveled about ten miles south along 
the eastern base of the Oquirrh Mountains, where, in the 
main, they found a barren country and very little water. 
Orson Pratt ascended the mountain where he obtained a 
view of Utah Lake, which he judged to be about twenty 
miles away. Striking eastward across the valley they re- 
turned to camp. On this trip they saw about one hundred 
goats, sheep and antelope. They returned satisfied that the 
spot where the pioneers had camped was the best on which 
their city could be built. 

A Place for an Ensign. — On the 26th, they also as- 
cended the mountain above the hot springs to get a better 
view of the surrounding country, and by aid of their glasses 
were able to discern the Utah Outlet at the point of the 
mountain, where it enters the Salt Lake Valley on the south. 
A number of streams were also seen flowing from the moun- 
tains into the valley. As they stood upon the mountain 
President Young remarked that it would be a good place to 
lift up an ensign, referring to Isaiah's prophecy; so they 
named it "Ensign Peak," by which name it has since been 
known. In later years a flagstaff was placed upon it. 

The Building of a City. — After returning from their 
explorations on the 28th, a council was held in the evening 
and it was decided to build a city. Some of the brethren 
suggested that they explore further before deciding on a 
site for a settlement. President Young replied that he was 
willing that they should explore until they were satisfied, 
but every time a party went out and returned he believed 
they would agree that this was the spot on which they should 
locate. 

It was decided that the city should be laid out in blocks 



454 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

of ten acres each with streets eight rods wide running at 
right angles. The blocks were to be divided into lots con- 
taining one and one-quarter acres each, with exceptions in 
certain parts where the lay of the land would be incon- 
venient for such arrangement. The houses were to be of 
uniform distance from the street and only one house to a 
lot. "Upon every alternate block four houses were to be 
built on the east, and four on the west side of the square, 
but none on the north and' south sides. But the blocks in- 
tervening were to have four houses on the north and four 
on the south, but none on the east and west sides. In this 
plan there will be no houses fronting each other on the 
opposite sides of the streets, while those on the same side 
will be about eight rods apart, having gardens running back 
twenty rods to the center of the block." Such was their de- 
scription. There were to be four public squares of ten acres 
each in various parts of the city. "Let every man," said 
President Young, "cultivate his own lot and set out every 
kind of fruit and shade tree and beautify the city." This 
plan was laid before the camp and approved unanimously. 

The Place for the Temple. — During the westward 
journey the building of a temple was a constant theme. On 
the evening of the 28th of July, President Young and the 
apostles with Thomas Bullock, the clerk, walked from their 
camp northward to a spot between the forks of City Creek, 
and there President Young designated a site for the build- 
ing of a temple. Waving his hand he said: "Here is the 
forty acres for the temple, and the city can be laid out per- 
fectly square north and south, east and west." 

Orson Pratt's Survey. — The survey of the city was 
made by Orson Pratt. His line was on the southeast corner 
of the Temple Block. Beginning at that point the city was 
marked out into blocks of ten acres each. It was decided 
by the brethren that instead of using forty acres for the site 
it would be better to have that block conform in size with 
ihe others. According to Orson Pratt's calculations, the 
latitude of the north boundary of the Temple Block was 



IN "THE LAND OF PROMISE" 455 

40 degrees, 35 minutes and 34 seconds. The longitude was 
111 degrees, 26 minutes and 34 seconds west of Greenwich. 
The altitude was 4.300 feet above sea level. Later govern- 
ment observations varied from these of Elder Pratt but 
slightly. 

Arrival of the Battalion and Mississippi Members. — 
In addition to the twelve members of the battalion and the 
advance company of Mississippi Saints who came into the 
valley with the pioneers, the detachments of the battalion 
who wintered at Pueblo under the command of Captain 
James Brown and Nelson Higgins, together with the main 
body of the Mississippi Saints, entered the Salt Lake Valley, 
under direction of Captain James Brown, July 29, 1847. 
This increased the number in the camp to about four hun- 
dred souls. They brought with them about sixty wagons, 
one hundred head of horses and mules and three hundred 
head of cattle. 

Immediately after their arrival the battalion members 
built a bowery, the first structure in the valley in which 
public meetings could be held with some degree of com- 
fort, and the worshipers receive protection from the ex- 
cessive heat of the sun. 

Renewal of Covenants. — Having been unable to live 
in peace in former habitations because of persecutions of 
wicked men, the Saints now rejoiced at the prospect before 
them. It was proposed by President Young and the apos- 
tles that they renew their covenants with the Lord and 
solemnly promise that they would henceforth keep his com- 
mandments in this land where they were free from religious 



°It is quite generally understood that there were three women 
who entered the Salt Lake Valley with the pioneers in July, 1847. 
The fact has been overlooked by many that there were other noble 
women, besides these three who accompanied President Young 
across the plains, who braved the dangers and hardships of the 
journey to the west. Among the Mississippi Saints who met the 
pioneers at Fort Laramie and journeyed with them from that 
point into the Salt Lake Valley, were the following: Elizabeth 
Crow, Harriet Crow, Elizabeth J. Crow, Ira Vinda Exene Crow, 
Irmaninda Almarene Crow and Marilla Jane Therlkill. 



456 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

persecution. In the humility and thankfulness of their 
hearts for their deliverance, the apostles set the example. 
August 6, President Young was baptized, and each of the 
apostles were likewise baptized in turn. This was not done 
as an acknowledgment that their former baptism was not 
efficacious, or that they had broken covenants formerly re- 
ceived, but as an acknowledgment before the Lord of their 
willingness to serve him henceforth and forever. To this 
proposition all the camp of Israel said Amen, and the or- 
dinance of baptism was administered to all. 

The First Births and Death in the Colony.— The first 
birth in the pioneer camp was that of a daughter to John 
and Catharine Campbell Steele, August 9, 1847. The father 
was a member of the battalion and he and his wife had ar- 
rived in the camp but a few days before. The child was 
named Young Elizabeth Steele, in honor of President Brig- 
ham Young and Queen Elizabeth. Two days later the 
colony was called upon to mourn because of the death of 
Milton H. Therlkill, three years old, and son of George W. 
and Jane Therlkill, of the Mississippi company. The child 
had wandered from the camp and was drowned in City 
Creek. A few days later (August 15th) a daughter was 
born to these same parents. This was the second birth in 
the colony. 

The "Old Fort."— Three days after the Pioneers ar- 
rived in the valley, Indians of the Ute and Shoshone tribes 
commenced visiting the camp, begging and endeavoring to 
trade for guns and ammunition, and incidentally to steal 
when opportunity afforded. On one occasion a fight en- 
sued and the Shoshones killed a Ute who had stolen one of 
their horses. President Young instructed the Saints that 
they should trade no more with the Indians, who were mani- 
festing a spirit of jealousy because the pioneers treated one 
tribe the same as the other. 

As a means of protection against Indian raids and thefts, 
it was decided to build a fort, or stockade, on one of the 
city ten-acre squares. The site chosen is now known as 



IN "THE LAND OF PROMISE' 



457 



Pioneer Park, three blocks south and three west of the 
Temple Block. At a meeting held August 1, 1847, it was 
decided that the enclosure should be built of logs and sun- 
dried bricks (adobes). The brethren immediately went to 
work preparing the timbers and adobes for this purpose. 
August 10, work started on the stockade. The walls were 
twenty-seven inches thick and nine feet high on the outer 
side. It was built as a continuation of huts joined together 
in rectangular form around the outside of the ten acres on 
which it stood. The east side was built of logs, and the 
three other sides of adobe walls. The roofs slanted but 
slightly inward, and were made of brush covered with earth. 
Each house had a loop-hole facing the outside and a door 
and windows facing the interior. The main entrances, 
which were on the east and west sides of the stockade, were 




"SOUTH FORTS' 



NORTH PQTPT' 



carefully guarded by heavy gates which were locked at 
night. In the winter and spring months the snow and rain 
caused the mud to leak through the roofs, to the great dis- 
comfort of the inhabitants. Wagon covers, and other arti- 
cles which would shed moisture, were utilized, to protect 
beds and bedding. Notwithstanding the discomforts and 
inconveniences of life under such conditions, the Saints spent 
many pleasant hours within the walls of their temporary 
homes. Two additional blocks were joined to the original 
fort, one on the north and one on the south, to accomodate 
later arrivals in the valley. These were designated as the 
North Fort and the South Fort, and were similar in con- 
struction to the first, or Old Fort, as it was called. Dur- 
ing the first winter, schools were taught in the fort by 
Julian Moses and Miss Mary Ann Dillworth. 

Captain Brown's Journey to the Coast. — A question 



458 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

had arisen regarding the Pueblo detachment of the Mor- 
mon Battalion. They were under orders to march to the 
Pacific coast, but the term of their enlistment had expired. 
Should they go to the coast to be mustered out of ser- 
vice, or should that duty be performed by their company 
officers? After some deliberation it was decided that they 
should be mustered out of service, and that Captain James 
Brown with a small company should go to California and 
report to the army officers there, and with a power of at- 
torney from each of the men, draw their pay. Captain 
Brown, with several members of the battalion, departed for 
San Francisco, August 9, piloted by Samuel Brannan. 
Brannan returned to California greatly disappointed be- 
cause President Young would not hearken to his counsel 
and continue on to the coast, where he thought conditions 
for permanent settlement were more favorable than the deso- 
late valleys of the mountains. Captain Brown carried with 
him a message from President Young to the battalion mem- 
bers on the coast, advising all who had no families to re- 
main in California through the winter and obtain work, 
and in the spring come to the Salt Lake Valley with their 
earnings. Captain Brown's company went by way of the 
northern route and were accompanied as far as Fort Hall, 
by Jesse C. Little, Joseph Matthews, John Brown and others, 
who explored the Cache and Weber valleys. These brethren 
returned with favorable reports. 

Special Conference in the Valley. — Sunday, August 
22, 1847, a special conference was held in the Salt Lake 
Valley. It was agreed to fence the city, and such portions 
of adjacent lands as might be deemed proper for cultivation, 
thus affording protection from cattle. "By this means," 
said President Young, "we can raise thousands of bushels 
of grain next season for ourselves and also some to sustain 
those who shall come after us. I would rather fence a block 
of ten acres, and have a crop, than plant a hundred acres 
for the cattle to destroy. ,, 

It was decided that a presidency and a high council be 



IN "THE LAND OF FROMISE" 459 

appointed to preside over the Saints in the valley. Elder 
John Smith, uncle of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who was 
at the time on the plains, was chosen as president. Presi- 
dent Young moved that "we call this place 'The Great Salt 
Lake City, of the Great Basin of North America/ " and that 
the post office be called 'The Great Basin Post Office." 
Elder Heber C. Kimball moved that the river running west 
of the settlement be called "The Western Jordan." Some of 
the creeks were also named as follows: City Creek, Red 
Butte Creek, Canyon Creek (afterwards Emigration Creek) 
and Big Canyon Creek (Parley's Creek). Those streams 
farther to the south were not named at that time. 

At the close of the services Elder Heber C. Kimball re- 
marked : "This is a paradise to me, and one of the loveliest 
places I ever beheld. I hope none of us will be left alive to 
pollute this land. I would rather die than act as inconsist- 
ent as many have in times past." 

The Return of the Pioneers. — President Young felt 
great anxiety for the companies of Saints who were on the 
plains wending their way to the valley. There was much to 
be done in order to care properly for those who had al- 
ready arrived, protect them from hostile Indians and pre- 
pare for the coming winter season. This labor required his 
attention and that of the leading brethren for some days. 
However, it was deemed necessary that a company start 
back at once to meet the oncoming immigrants. Monday, 
August 2, 1847, it was decided in a council meeting, that 
Elder Ezra T. Benson with a company of horsemen should 
start back immediately. About noon on that day this com- 
pany departed. They carried instructions from President 
Young to obtain the names of all who were in the several 
camps, together with the number of wagons, horses, oxen 
and other animals ; also to ascertain the condition of the 
health and needs of the immigrants, so that assistance might 
be rendered where necessary. August 16 and 17, a com- 
pany selected from the original pioneers and battalion started 
back for this purpose. This company consisted of seventy- 



460 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

one men, with thirty-three wagons, fourteen mules and 
ninety-two yoke of oxen. It was divided into two divisions 
with Tunis Rappleyee and Shadrach Roundy as captains. 
August 26, President Young and the apostles started on 
their return to Winter Quarters. This company consisted 
of one hundred and eight men, thirty-six wagons, seventy- 
one horses and forty-nine mules. They passed a number 
of trains on the way to the valley, totaling more than fif- 
teen hundred men, women and children, with five hundred 
and sixty wagons and five thousand head of stock. Among 
these immigrants were Elders Parley P. Pratt and John 
Taylor of the council of the apostles, who were in charge 
of the companies. 

President Young's Instructions and Blessing. — Presi- 
dent Young arrived at Winter Quarters, October 31, after 
an eventful journey back across the plains. When the com- 
pany arrived within a mile of Winter Quarters, President 
Young called them together and made the following re- 
marks : 

"Brethren, I will say to the pioneers, I wish you would 
receive my thanks for your kindness and willingness to obey 
orders. I am satisfied with you ; you have done well. We 
have accomplished more than we expected. The one hun- 
dred and forty^three men who started, some of them sick, 
are all well. Not a man has died; and we have not lost 
a horse, mule or ox, except through carelessness. The bless- 
ings of the Lord have been with us. If the brethren are 
satisfied with me and the Twelve, please signify it with up- 
lifted hands. (All hands were raised.) I feel to bless you 
in the name of the Lord God of Israel. You are dismissed 
to go to your homes." 

The company then drove into the town of Winter 
Quarters in order, arriving about one hour before sunset. 
The streets of the town were filled with eager people and 
the weary pioneers rejoiced once more to behold their wives, 
children and friends. 

Organization of a Stake of Zion. — Sunday, October 



IN "THE LAND OF PROMISE" 461 

3, 1847, the Saints in the Salt Lake Valley met in conference 
and transacted business which had been proposed by Presi- 
dent Young and the apostles before their departure. "Uncle" 
John Smith, who had been chosen before his arrival, was 
sustained as president of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, with 
Charles C. Rich and John Young as his counselors. Mem- 
bers of the high council were also chosen as follows : Henry 
G. Sherwood, Thomas Grover, Levi Jackman, John Mur- 
dock, Daniel Spencer, Lewis Abbot, Ira Eldredge, Edson 
Whipple, Shadrach Roundy, John Vance, Willard Snow and 
Abraham Q. Smoot. 

Charles C. Rich was also selected as chief military com- 
mander under the direction of the stake authorities. Al- 
bert Carrington was selected' to act as clerk and historian 
of the city, and John Van Cott as marshal. 

Population at the Close of 1847. — The last company 
to enter the valley in 1847 arrived in October. The sev- 
eral companies were listed by Thomas Bullock as follows : 
President Young's pioneer company, 148; the Mississippi 
company, 47; Mormon Battalion, 210; Daniel Spencer's 
company, 204; Parley P. Pratt's company, 198; Abraham 
O. Smoot's company, 139; Charles C. Rich's company, 130; 
George B. Wallace's company, 198; Edward Hunter's com- 
pany, 155; Joseph Home's company, 197; Joseph B. Noble's 
company, 171; W. Snow's company, 148; and Jedediah M. 
Grant's company, the last of the season, 150. The total 
being 2,095 souls for the year. 



CHAPTER 41 

ORGANIZATION OF THE PRESIDENCY- 
CHURCH ACTIVITIES 1847—1849 

Activities on the Missouri. — As soon as the apostles 
arrived at Winter Quarters they held council meetings al- 
most daily, which continued during the months of November 
and December, for there was much to be done. The Saints 
had been greatly blessed in their crops and a good and abun- 
dant harvest had been gathered. Instructions were given 
that all the Church records should be gathered and pre- 
pared for removal to the Salt Lake Valley. The poor among 
the Saints were also to be gathered, and instructions were 
given to the people at Garden Grove to move to Winter 
Quarters in the spring. Elder Jesse C. Little was called 
again to preside in the Eastern States and Elder John 
Brown, who had led the Mississippi Saints to Pueblo, and 
later was one of the pioneers, was called to take charge of 
the work in the Southern States. November 8, it was de- 
cided to vacate Winter Quarters and move to the east bank 
of the Missouri, and there make a settlement for the mem- 
bers of the Church who were not. able to continue to the 
west. All who could leave in the spring for the west would 
be called upon to do so. Elder Hyde, who had been pre- 
siding at Winter Quarters, reported that action had been 
taken against Bishop George Miller and James Emmett, 
who, contrary to counsel, had moved to Texas instead of 
continuing on to the Rocky Mountains. This action was 
approved by the council of the twelve. Elder Orson Pratt 
was chosen to go to England and preside in the British 
Mission and Elder Wilford Woodruff to Canada. Some 
twenty-seven elders were called to various mission fields. 
November 22, the brethren wrote a letter to Oliver Cowdery, 
whose heart had softened, exhorting him to be baptized. 

Organization of the First Presidency. — From the 
martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph and Patriarch Hyrum 






ORGANIZATION OF THE PRESIDENCY 463 



Smith in 1844, until December, 1847, the Twelve Apostles, 
with President Brigham Young at their head, were sus- 
tained as the presiding council of the Church. On the re- 
turn journey to Winter Quarters from the Salt Lake Val- 
ley, the apostles conversed on the subject of reorganizing 
the First Presidency. December 5, 1847, they met in coun- 
cil at the home of Orson Hyde, on the east bank of the 
Missouri River, when this 
and other important matters 
were considered. There 
were present at this meet- 
ing : President Brigham 
Young, and Elders Heber 
C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, 
Orson Pratt, Willard Rich- 
ards, Wilford Woodruff, 
George A. Smith, Amasa 
M. Lyman and Ezra T. 
Benson. Elders Parley P. 
Pratt and John Taylor were 
in the Salt Lake Valley, and 
Lyman Wight, who had 
failed to accompany the 
Church to the W^est, was in 
Texas. Elders Lyman and 
Benson had been called into 
the council of the twelve to 
succeed William Smith and 

John E. Page, who had been excommunicated because of 
insubordination and rebellion against authority. Each of 
the brethren present expressed his views in turn in relation 
to the matter of the First Presidency, after which, on mo- 
tion of Elder Orson Hyde, Brigham Young was unani- 
mously sustained as President of the Church "with authority 
to nominate" his two counselors. He chose Elder Heber C. 
Kimball, as his first and Willard Richards, as his second 
counselor. The choosing of Heber C. Kimball, was the ful- 




HEBER C. KIMBALL 



464 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



filment of a prediction by the Patriarch Hyrum Smith. In 
a patriarchal blessing given to Elder Kimball March 9, 1842, 
Hyrum Smith said: "You shall be blessed with a fulness 
and shall be not one whit behind the chief est ; as an apostle 
you shall stand in the presence of God to judge the people; 
and as a prophet you shall attain to the honor of the three." 
The following day they selected "Uncle" John Smith to be 
"the Patriarch over the whole Church." Elders Orson 
Hyde and Ezra T. Benson were appointed to go east and 
Amasa M. Lyman to the north to procure means to help 
the Saints to emigrate the next season. The apostles also 
ordained Luke S. Johnson an elder. 

The Sustaining Vote of the Saints. — A general con- 
ference of the Church on the Missouri was held December 
24 to 27, 1847, on the Iowa side of the Missouri River. A 

large log tabernacle had 
been constructed which 
would seat nearly one thou- 
sand persons. On the last 
day of this conference the 
First Presidency, Brigham 
Young, Heber C. Kimball 
and Willard Richards, 
chosen by the apostles on 
the 4th of the month, were 
unanimously sustained by 
the vote of the Saints. John 
Smith was also sustained as 
the "Patriarch over all the 
Church." The action of 
this conference was subse- 
quently ratified by the 
members of the Church in 
Iowa and in the Salt Lake 
Valley, at conferences held in April, 1848 ; and in the British 
Isles at a conference held in Manchester, August 14, 1848. 
The day before the conference convened (Dec. 23), a 




WILLARD RICHARDS 



■ ORGANIZATION OF THE PRESIDENCY 465 

general epistle was issued by the apostles to all the mem- 
bers of the Church, ''dispersed throughout the earth." This 
was a very important epistle portraying the movements of 
the Church since the exodus from Nauvoo, and declaring 
the intentions and prospects of the people for the immediate 
future. All the members of the Church who had been driven 
from their homes were instructed to gather to the site se- 
lected for their settlement in the Great Basin. Others in the 
United States, Canada and Great Britain, were likewise 




KANESVILLE 



counseled to gather, as circumstances would permit. They 
were to bring with them seeds of every kind — ''everything 
that grows upon the face of the whole earth that will please 
the eye, gladden the heart, or cheer the soul of man." They 
were also to bring "the best stock of beasts, birds and fowl," 
and tools of every kind. Advice in relation to the building 
of Zion; the preaching of the Gospel; the duties of parents; 
the building of the temple, and other matters of grave con- 
cern to the members of the Church, were also set forth, for 

31 



466 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

their comfort and guidance, during those days of recon- 
struction and great trial. 

Kanesville — Pottawattamie County. — Following the 
advice of President Young, the Saints residing at Winter 
Quarters moved across the Missouri River to the Bluffs on 
the Iowa side. This country was called the "Pottawattamie 
country," because it was inhabited by a tribe of Indians by 
that name. These Indians had been removed by the gov- 
ernment, a few months before, to another part, leaving the 
Saints in sole occupancy of the land. There were no settle- 
ments within many miles of the Latter-day Saints. Presi- 
dent Young deemed it wise that the Saints should hold 
these lands for some time, in the interests of immigration, 
and therefore many who were not prepared to go west, and 
some who preferred to remain, made this place their home. 

The settlement established by them was in what was 
called "Miller's Hollow." They named it "Kanesville," in 
honor of Colonel Thomas L. Kane, who had been instru- 
mental in securing for them privileges from the government, 
and who had shown his friendship on many occasions. Elder 
Orson Hyde, who was left in charge after the departure of 
President Young and the majority of the Saints, published 
a paper, the Frontier Guardian, which continued under his 
editorship for three years. When the Saints residing there 
were instructed to join the main body of the Latter-day 
Saints in the West, the paper was sold and the members of 
the Church left their holdings for other people. 

The Iowa Legislature in 1847, provided for the creation 
of counties in the Pottawattamie country, whenever the 
judge of that district "should decree that the public good 
required it." The Saints petitioned for a county organiza- 
tion, and learned that the judge had already taken steps in 
that direction. The County of Pottawattamie was therefore 
organized, and was officered by members of the Church. 
Other settlers began to arrive, after the Saints had made 
of the place a pleasant habitation. When the call came for 
the members of the Church to "arise and come home" in 



Organization of the presidency 467 

1852, they deserted Kanesville and the name was soon 
changed to Council Bluffs, by which name it has since been 
known. 

President Young's Second Trip Across the Plains. 
— During the month of May, 1848, preparations were made 
for the departure of the main body of the Saints on the 
Missouri River. On the 9th of that month the first com- 
pany of twenty-two wagons departed and camped on the Elk- 
horn. On the 26th, President Young left Winter Quarters 
and took command of the camps and led them across the 
plains. This was to be his last trip, for his duties henceforth 
were to be among the settlements in the Rocky Mountains. 
During the month of June Presidents Young and Kimball 
commenced their journey at the head of camps consisting of 
over six hundred wagons and nearly two thousand souls, with 
their accompanying goods and chattels. President YVillard 
Richards followed in the month of July with another camp 
of one hundred and sixty-nine wagons and over five hun- 
dred souls. These camps traveled in accordance with the 
regulations adopted at the beginning among the pioneers. 
From this time forth, for many years, companies of Latter- 
day Saints might be seen crossing the plains, coming from 
Europe and the various states of the Union. Presidents 
Young and Kimball arrived in the valley in September, and 
President Richards arrived early in October, 1848. 

Plague of the Crickets. — The season was so far advanced 
when the pioneers arrived in the summer of 1847 that little 
resulted from the planting, except to obtain some seed po- 
tatoes. Their salvation depended on the success of their 
crops in 1848. They had built three saw mills in the moun- 
tains and one grist mill. Their planted fields consisted of 
five thousand one hundred and thirty-three acres, of which 
nearly nine hundred acres were planted in winter wheat. 
With the aid of irrigation all things looked favorable, and 
it appeared that there would be a fruitful harvest. The 
Saints were happy and their prospects were bright. They 
gave thanks to the Lord and in humility desired to serve 



468 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

him. In the months of May and June they were menaced 
by a danger as bad as the persecution of mobs. Myriads of 
crickets came down the mountain sides into the valley, like 
a vast army marshalled for battle, and began to destroy the 
fields. From one they would pass on to another, and in a 
few moments leave a field as barren as a desert waste. Some- 
thing had to be done, or the inhabitants must perish. The 
community was aroused and every soul entered the unequal 
conflict. Trenches were dug around the fields and filled 
with water, in the hope of stopping the ravages of the pest, 
but without result. Fire was equally unavailing. The at- 
tempt was made to beat them back with clubs, brooms and 
other improvised weapons, but nothing that man could do 
was able to stop the steady onward march of the voracious 
crickets. The settlers were helpless before them. 

The Miracle of the Gulls. — When all seemed lost, and 
the Saints were giving up in despair, the heavens became 
clouded with gulls, which hovered over the fields, uttering 
their plaintive scream. Was this a new evil come upon 
them? Such were the thoughts of some who expected that 
what the crickets left the gulls would destroy; but not so, 
the gulls in countless battalions descended and began to 
devour the crickets, waging a battle for the preservation of 
the crops. They ate, they gorged upon the pest, and then 
flying to the streams would drink and vomit and again re- 
turn to the battle front. This took place day by day until 
the crickets were destroyed. The people gave thanks, for 
this was to them a miracle. Surely the Lord was merciful 
and had sent the gulls as angels of mercy for their salvation. 
Since that time the gull has been looked upon by the Latter- 
day Saints almost as a sacred deliverer. Laws have been 
passed for the protection of these birds, and the wanton kill- 
ing of one would be considered a crime of great magnitude. 



"September 13, 1913, a monument commemorating this event, 
was unveiled on the Temple Block, Salt Lake City. The "Sea- 
gull Monument," as it is called, is the work of Mahonri M. Young, 
grandson of President Brigham Young. 



ORGANIZATION OF THE PRESIDENCY 469 

The Feast of the Harvest. — The first harvest :n the 
valley was none too plentiful ; however, enough had been 
raised to tide over the season with the oncoming and con- 
stantly increasing population. It is doubtful if ever since 
then a harvest has filled the hearts of the people with such 
joy and satisfaction. With thankful hearts, August 10, 1848, 
a public "harvest feast'' was celebrated in the valley. It had 
been demonstrated that abundant crops could be raised with 
proper care and cultivation. Large sheaves of wheat, rye, 
barley, and other products of the soil, were placed on ex- 
hibition, and the people celebrated with music, song, speeches, 
prayer and thanksgiving. 

The Return of Oliver Cowdery. — For some time the 
Spirit of the Lord had been striving with Oliver Cowdery. 
Finally he decided to accept the admonition of the apostles 
given November 22, 1847, and again unite with the Church. 
He came to Kanesville with his family, in October, 1848, 
and asked to be received as a member in the Church. He 
had been absent for over ten years. A special conference 
was held October 21, 1848, at which Oliver Cowdery arose 
and confessed the error of his ways and gave his testimony 
as follows : 

"Friends and Brethren : — My name is Cowdery, Oliver 
Cowdery. In the early history of this Church I stood identi- 
fied with her, and one in her councils. True it is that the 
gifts and callings of God are without repentance; not be- 
cause I was better than the rest of mankind was I called ; 
but, to fulfil the purposes of God, he called me to a high 
and holy calling. 

"I wrote with my own pen the entire Book of Mormon 
(save a few pages), as it fell from the lips of the Prophet 
Joseph Smith, as he translated it by the gift and power of 
God, by the means of the Urim and Thummim, or, as it is 
called by that book, 'holy interpreters.' I beheld with my 
eyes, and handled with my hands, the gold plates from 
which it was transcribed. I also saw with my eyes and 
handled with my hands the 'holy interpreters.' That book- 
is true. Sidney Rigdon did not write it. Mr. Spaulding did 



470 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

not write it. I wrote it myself as it fell from the lips of 
the Prophet. It contains the everlasting Gospel, and came 
forth to the children of men in fulfilment of the revela- 
tions of John, where he says he saw an angel come with 
the everlasting Gospel to preach to every nation, kindred, 
tongue and people. It contains principles of salvation; and 
if you, my hearers, will walk by its light and obey its pre- 
cepts, you will be saved with an everlasting salvation in the 
kingdom of God on high. Brother Hyde has just said that 
it is very important that we keep and walk in the true chan- 
nel, in order to avoid the sand-bars. This is true. The 
channel is here. The Holy Priesthood is here. 

"I was present with Joseph when an holy angel from 
God came down from heaven and conferred on us, or re- 
stored the lesser or Aaronic Priesthood, and said to us at 
the same time, that it should remain upon the earth while 
the earth stands. 

"I was also present with Joseph when the higher or Mel- 
chizedek Priesthood was conferred by holy angels from on 
high. This Priesthood we then conferred on each other, 
by the will and commandment of God. This Priesthood, as 
was then declared, is also to remain upon the earth until 
the last remnant of time. This Holy Priesthood, or author- 
ity, we then conferred upon many, and is just as good and 
valid as though God had done it in person. 

"I laid my hands upon that man — Yes I laid my right 
hand upon his head (pointing to Brother Hyde), and I con- 
ferred upon him the Priesthood, and he holds that Priest- 
hood now. He was also called through me, by the prayer 
of faith, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. ,, 

A few days later Oliver Cowdery appeared before the 
high council at Kanesville and requested that he be received 
into the Church. His case was considered and on motion 
of Elder Orson Hyde, who presided at Kanesville, he was 
received by baptism. When Oliver appeared before the 
high council on this occasion he said: 

"Brethren, for a number of years I have been separated 
from you. I now desire to come back. I wish to come 
humbly and to be one in your midst, I seek no station, I 



ORGANIZATION OF THE PRESIDENCY 471 

only wish to be identified with you. I am out of the Church. 
I am not a member of the Church, but I wish to become a 
member of it. I wish to come in at the door. I know the 
door. I have not come here to seek precedence, I come 
humbly, and throw myself upon the decisions of this bo/.y, 
knowing, as I do, that its decisions are right, and should be 
obeyed. " 

It was a sad occasion, yet a time of rejoicing to see the 
former "Second Elder" of the Church with a contrite spirit 
desiring fellowship in the Church, and the association of his 
former brethren. After his baptism he desired to go to the 
Salt Lake Valley and then take a mission to Great Britain. 
Before doing so he went to visit with relatives in Missouri, 
and while there he was taken sick and died March 3, 1850. 
He died a happy man with the assurance that his sins had 
been forgiven him. 

The Beginning of New Settlements. — Explorations 
of the surrounding valleys commenced as soon as the pio- 
neers entered the Salt Lake Valley, for the purpose of dis- 
covering suitable sites for other gathering places. In the 
fall of 1847, Perrigrine Sessions, Samuel Brown and Hector 
C. Haight moved into the valley north (Davis County) with 
herds of cattle. Sessions camped near the spot where Bounti- 
ful was subsequently built, and there he lived during the 
winter with part of his family, first in a wagon and then in 
a hut. Later he built a permanent home which was the 
beginning of Bountiful, formerly called Session's Settlement. 
Hector C. Haight went a few miles farther north and made 
his camp near the present site of Farmington, on Big Creek. 
Later he moved about three miles north on Haight's Creek, 
where he built a cabin where he lived with one of his sons 
during the winter of 1847-48. In 1848, Daniel Miller, 
Thomas Grover, Jacob F. Secrist, William Smith and many 
others moved to the north and became the first settlers of 
Bountiful, Farmington and other towns in Davis County. 
Early in the year 1848, Captain James Brown, who had re- 
turned from California, entered into negotiations with Miles 



472 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

M. Goodyear, a trapper and trader, for the purchase of lands 
where the present city of Ogden is built. There he located, 
calling the place Brownsville. John S. Higbee and others 
located in Utah valley in 1849. That same year John Row- 
berry led a company to Tooele Valley, and Isaac Morley 
another to Sanpete Valley. In all these places permanent 
settlements were established in that year. From this time on 
colonization continued, under the direction of President Brig- 
ham Young, and settlements began to spring up throughout 
the Rocky Mountains, extending for hundreds of miles. The 
prophecy of Joseph Smith uttered August 6, 1842, was 
realized. 

Filling Vacancies in the Council of the Twelve. — The 

organization of the First Presidency and the disfellowship- 
ment of Lyman Wight, left four vacancies in the council of 
the twelve. February 11, 1849, the First Presidency and 
apostles met in council at the homes of Elder George B. 
Wallace to consider the filling of these vacancies. Presi- 
dent Young nominated Elders Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo 
Snow, Erastus Snow and Franklin D. Richards for these 
positions, which nominations were approved by the apos- 
tles. The following day at the home of Elder Wallace, they 
were ordained. 

The Salt Lake Stake.— In the fall of 1847, the Saints 
in. the Salt Lake Valley were organized into a stake. It 
became necessary in 1849, to perfect that organization and 
make certain changes. A meeting was called, February 13, 
1849, for that purpose. Elder Daniel Spencer was set apart 
as president of the Salt Lake Stake, succeeding Patriarch 
John Smith, with David Fullmer and Willard Snow as his 
counselors. A committee was appointed to lay the city off 
into ecclesiastical wards, which later reported, and at an- 
other meeting held on the 16th, the high council was or- 
ganized and officers chosen for quorums of the Priest- 
hood. The following division of the valley into wards was 
decided on: "South of the city and east of the Jordan River, 






ORGANIZATION OF THE PRESIDENCY 473 

into four wards: Canyon Creek (Sugar House) Ward, em- 
bracing the five-acre survey and all east of it; Mill Creek 
Ward, embracing the ten-acre survey and all east of it; a 
third ward, embracing the country between the ten-acre sur- 
vey and the Cottonwood Creek ; and a fourth, embracing all 
south of the Cottonwood. West of the Jordan: Caanan 
Ward ; north of the city and east of the Jordan and the lake, 
three wards." These wards included the settlements as far 
north as Brownsville (Ogden). At another meeting held 
on the 22nd of the month the city was divided into nine- 
teen wards of nine blocks each. 

The Perpetual Emigration Fund. — Business of great 
importance was considered at the October general confer- 
ence of the Church in 1849. It was decided that the Church 
should establish a "Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company," 
for the gathering of the poor from the nations of the earth. 
The company was duly incorporated and committees were 
appointed for the purpose of gathering means for this fund, 
which were used in bringing great numbers of the Latter- 
day Saints to the valleys of the mountains. This continued 
for many years. Finally, in 1887, the Perpetual Emigrating 
Fund Company was disincorporated by the passage of the 
Edmunds-Tucker bill, and the funds escheated to the gov- 
ernment for the benefit of the common schools of Utah. 
It was intended that those who were aided by this fund 
should pay back into it the means advanced for their trans- 
portation to the West, that others might be helped also to 
emigrate. In this way it Would be a perpetual and self-sus- 
taining fund. Five thousand dollars was the sum of the 
original contributions, and by its aid as many as five hun- 
dred wagons were furnished some seasons to help the Saints 
across the plains. 

Increased Missionary Activity. — At this same con- 
ference missionaries were called to go to various parts of 
the earth as follows : Elder Charles C. Rich, to South- 
ern California (San Bernardino) to assist Amasa M. Lyman 
and. to_ succeed him in that field of labor; Addison Pratt, 



474 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

James Brown and Hyrum H. Blackwell, to the Society Is- 
lands ; Lorenzo Snow and Joseph Toronto, to Italy; Erastus 
Snow and Peter O. Hansen, to Denmark; John Taylor, 
Curtis E. Bolton and John Pack, to France; Franklin D. 
Richards, Joseph W. Johnson, Joseph W. Young, Job Smith, 
Haden Church, George B. Wallace, John S. Higbee and 
Jacob Gates, to England ; and John E. Forsgren, to Sweden. 
This was a wonderful undertaking and a remarkable trial of 
faith, in the days of the poverty and adversity of the people, 
when the help of all was needed to build up settlements and 
contend with the trials and hardships of pioneer life in this 
western country. In the evening of the 6th of October, the 
presidency set apart the brethren of the apostles for their 
fields of labor, and the apostles set apart the elders who 
were also called to various mission fields. In a very short 
time all were on their way to carry the message of salvation 
to the world, a duty the Lord has placed upon the elders of 
the Church, which is second to no other. The inspiration of 
these calls is seen in the fruitful harvest of souls which was 
gathered in England, Scandinavia and other lands. 

An Unexpected Harvest. — The harvest of 1848 was 
hardly adequate for the needs of the Saints, for their num- 
bers had been greatly increased by immigration. The peo- 
ple therefore were under the necessity of conserving to 
make ends meet. They were placed on rations and were 
forced also to resort to the digging of sego roots, and making 
greens from thistles and weeds to eke out an existence. Their 
clothing was scant, and most of the men dressed in buck- 
skins, and all materials were made to do extra service. Dur- 
ing these stringent times, President Heber C. Kimball de- 
livered a discourse in which he uttered a remarkable proph- 
ecy. He said that within a short time "states goods" would 
be sold in Salt Lake City cheaper than they could be pur- 
chased in St. Louis or New York, and that the people would 
be supplied with both food and clothing. Few, if any, who 
heard these remarks, believed him. Such a thing in the 
far west, over a thousand miles from the nearest settlements, 



ORGANIZATION OF THE PRESIDENCY 475 

where all goods had to be freighted by team, seemed an im- 
possibility. Yet the prophecy was literally fulfilled. 

In the summer of 1849, gold seekers on their way to 
California, commenced arriving in the Salt Lake Valley. 
Their animals were worn out by the long and strenuous jour- 
ney, for in their haste for gold, these travelers had sacrificed 
all things, that they might make haste to their destination. 
Now they were anxious to obtain fresh animals for their 
tired ones, that they might hurry on their journey. To do 
this they were willing to dispose of their goods at a great 
sacrifice. They lightened their loads in the interest of speed 
and disposed of their provisions, clothing and other ma- 
terials, at a price below the cost of the articles in the states 
at the time they started on their westward journey. 



CHAPTER 42 

CHURCH ACTIVITIES 
1850—1857 

A Provisional Government. — When the first settlers 
arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, they were directed ex- 
clusively by Church authority. However, the people realized 
that civil government must be inaugurated in their several 
settlements after they were founded. As early as the fall 
of 1847 some municipal officers were appointed, although 
no city government was effected at that time. Before leav- 
ing Nauvoo, the authorities of the Church had expressed the 
desire of organizing a civil government under the flag of the 
United States. While on the plains they wrote to President 
James K. Polk, under date of August 6, 1846, and "resolved" 
that as soon as they were settled in the Great Basin they 
would petition the United States for a territorial govern- 
ment, "bounded on the north by the British, and south by 
the Mexican dominions, and east and west by the sum- 
mits of the Rocky and Cascade Mountains." 

The First Political Convention.— In February 1849, a 
call was issued for a political convention. The people re- 
siding within the territory bounded by the Rocky Moun- 
tains, the Republic of Mexico, the Sierra Nevada Mountains 
and the Territory of Oregon, were invited to assemble at 
Great Salt Lake City, March 5, 1849. On that date a con- 
vention was held, and Congress was petitioned to organize 
the Territory of Deseret. A constitution was adopted and 
a provisional government was set up. 



°Col. Thomas L. Kane advised the Saints to petition for state- 
hood, rather than for a territorial form of government, pointing out 
that they would be permitted to govern themselves in a state gov- 
ernment, but in a territory they would likely be subject to outside 
politicians, who would not be in sympathy with them, and perhaps 
their enemies. The people took his advice, but were not successful 



CHURCH ACTIVITIES 477 

The Territory of Utah. — Other petitions were also 
sent to Washington, asking for statehood, but the govern- 
ment was not willing to grant all that the inhabitants of the 
Great Basin desired. Enemies and bitter apostates lent their 
aid to defeat the project. In September 1850, Congress 
passed a bill for the organization of the territory of Utah, 
which was approved by the President. The people preferred 
the name "Deseret," & but gladly accepted what was offered 
them. 

Territorial Officers Appointed. — In September 1850, 
President Millard Fillmore appointed the federal officers for 
the territory of Utah. Brigham Young was appointed gov- 
ernor, a position he had held in the "Provisional State of 
Deseret." Broughton D. Harris, of Vermont, was appointed 
secretary; Joseph Buffington, of Pennsylvania, chief jus- 
tice ; Perry C. Brocchus, of Alabama, and Zerubbabel Snow 
of Ohio — the latter a member of the Church — associate jus- 
tices; Seth M. Blair, attorney; and Joseph L. Heywood, 
United States marshal. The two latter were residents of 
Utah. Judge Buffington declined and Lemuel C. Brande- 
bury, of Pennsylvania, was appointed in his stead. In ad- 
dition to these officers there were three Indian agents. 
Four of these federal officers were members of the Church. 
The appointment of President Young as governor, was due 
to the influence of Colonel Thomas L. Kane, the staunch and 
faithful friend of the Latter-day Saints. 



in obtaining their desire. Even under territorial regulations they 
should have been granted self government, through the appointment 
of officials from their own communities, but this proved to be the 
exception during the long history of Utah as a territory. And with 
a few honorable exceptions, the officers sent to them from other 
parts, were broken down politicians and men to whom political 
office was tendered as a debt for party service. Many of them 
were extremely bitter against the Saints, and resorted to false- 
hood and misrepresentation, in order to bring the majority of the 
inhabitants of the territory into disrepute at Washington and 
throughout the nation. Under such conditions conflict was con- 
stant and inevitable. 

& Deseret is a Book of Mormon term meaning "honey bee." 



478 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

The ''Run-Away Officials." — Three of these officials 
came to Utah filled with prejudice, and one, at least (Judge 
Brocchus), hoped that he might be elected to office and 
represent the territory in Congress. He had no desire to stay 
in the West. Together with Chief Justice Brandebury and 
Secretary Harris, he determined to leave again for the East, 
and preparations were made toward that end. These men 
complained of the smallness of their salaries, and Governor 
Young and other citizens petitioned Washington in their 
behalf. Harris declared "that he had private instructions 
designed for no eye but his own, to watch every movement 
and not pay out any funds unless the same should be strictly 
legal, and according to his own judgment/' When he de- 
cided to return to the East he also determined to take with 
him the funds which he had brought for territorial pur- 
poses. An attempt was made to prevent this action by leg- 
islative enactment, but he was sustained by the two judges, 
and carried the funds back to St. Louis, where he deposited 
them with the assistant treasurer of the United States. It 
was in September, 1851, when these officials left the ter- 
ritory. 

Their Report to Washington. — The three run-away 
officials reported in Washington that they were compelled to 
leave Utah on account of the lawless acts and seditious 
tendencies of Brigham Young and the majority of the resi- 
dents/ They accused Governor Young with a waste of pub- 
lic funds — which they had refused to let him have — and re- 
ferred to the existence of "polygamy" among the "Mor- 



c These "lawless acts and seditious tendencies," evidently had 
reference to certain remarks made by President Brigham Young, in 
a discourse in which he said the United States looked on the 
scenes of mobbing, driving, and murdering of the Latter-day Saints 
in Missouri and Illinois, without interference, or taking steps to 
correct the evil, but by silence gave sanction to such proceedings. 
Moreover for a rebuke administered to Judge Brocchus, who at a 
special conference of the Church in September, 1851, was privileged 
to speak and accused the leaders of the Church of disloyalty, and 
reflected upon the virtue of the women of the Latter-day Saints. 



CHURCH ACTIVITIES 479 

Governor Young's Defense. — Anticipating the accusa- 
tions of these officials, because of threats made before their 
departure, Governor Young wrote to President Fillmore, 
September 29, 1851, setting forth his own course and the 
true condition in the territory. This letter was augmented 
by others from Jedediah M. Grant, mayor of Salt Lake 
City, who was then in the East, and Col. Thomas L. Kane/ 
Daniel Webster, secretary of state, ordered these officials 
to return to their posts or resign ; so resign they did. 

Their Places Filled. — The places of these men were 
later filled. Lazarus H. Reed, of New York, was appointed 
chief justice for Utah; Leonidas Shaver, associate justice, 
and Benjamin G. Ferris, secretary. Secretary Ferris did 
not remain in the territory very long, but the two justices 
were respected by the people who held them in high esteem. 

The Deseret Evening News. — In each of the settle- 
ments of the Latter-day Saints, before coming to Utah, they 
had endeavored to publish magazines and periodicals for the 
benefit of the Saints. In keeping with this custom a small 



^Following is a letter from Col. Thomas L. Kane to President 
Fillmore in defense of Governor Brigham Young: 

Philadelphia, July 11, 1851. 

My Dear Sir: — I have no wish to evade the responsibility of 
having vouched for the character of Mr. Brigham Young, of Utah, 
and his fitness for the station he now occupies. I reiterate without 
reserve, the statement of his excellent capacity, energy, and in- 
tegrity, which I made you prior to his appointment. I am willing 
to say I volunteered to communicate to you facts by which I was 
convinced of his patriotism, and devotion to the interest of the 
Union. I made no qualification when I assured you of his ir- 
reproachable moral character, because I was able to speak of this 
from my own intimate, personal knowledge. 

If any shadow of evidence can be adduced in support of the 
charges of your anonymous assailant, the next mail from Utah 
shall bring you their complete and circumstantial refutation. Mean- 
while I am ready to offer this assurance for publication in any 
form you care to indicate, and challenge contradiction from any 
respectable authority. 

I am, Sir, with high respect and esteem, your most obedient 
servant, 

Thomas L. Kane. 

The President. , 



480 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 




FIRST DESERET NEWS PRESS 



wrought-iron Ramage hand- 
press, was purchased in 
Philadelphia and brought 
across the plains by one of 
the early companies. In 
1850, this press was put to 
use, and the first news- 
paper published in the Rocky 
Mountains made its appear- 
ance in Salt Lake City. This 
was the "Deseret News/' 
the first number of which 
was published June 15, 
1850, with President Wil- 
lard Richards as editor. It 
|was a small quarto, issued 
weekly, and has since 
grown into one of the in- 
fluential daily papers in the inter-mountain country. 

Announcement of the Plural Marriage Doctrine. — 

August 28 and 29, 1852, a special conference was held 
in Salt Lake City. One hundred and six elders were 
called to go on missions to various fields, including the 
countries of Europe, Russia, India, China, South Africa, 
Australia, Hawaii, and other island's of the sea, as well as 
the states of the Union. On the second day the first 
public announcement of the doctrine of plural marriage 
was declared. The revelation given to the Prophet Joseph 
Smith, dealing with the new and everlasting covenant and 
including the doctrine of marriage for eternity and "plural 
wives," was read". Elder Orson Pratt delivered the first 
public discourse on this principle, dealing with the subject 
from a scriptural standpoint. He emphasized the fact 
that the practice of plural marriage among the Latter-day 
Saints was not to "gratify the carnal lusts and feelings of 
man," but was to be practiced in all holiness. Moreover, 
that there was but one who held the keys of this power, 



CHURCH ACTIVITIES 481 

and there were "bounds and restrictions" which the Lord 
had set, and all who obeyed this law should be in harmony 
with the law, receiving the sanction of the one who held 
the keys. Following the discourse of Elder Orson Pratt, 
President Brigham Young made some remarks dealing 
with the history of the revelation. 

Laying the Corner Stones of the Salt Lake Temple. — 
In February, 1853, ground was broken for the foundation 
of the Salt Lake Temple. Wednesday, April 6, the corner 
stones were laid with solemn and impressive ceremonies. 
This was the beginning of the most costly and imposing 
temple yet to be erected by the Church, and was to take 
forty years in the building. Other temples had been built, 
but the Saints had not been granted the privilege of en- 
joying blessings in them for any length of time. In this 
far western country, they hoped to build undisturbed, and 
have the opportunity of receiving their own blessings there- 
in and also labor for their dead. It was at first proposed 
to build the temple of sandstone from Red Butte Canyon, 
and a wooden track was laid from the city to the canyon 
for the purpose of hauling the rock. It was finally de- 
cided to build' of granite, which was found in abundance 
in Little Cottonwood Canyon, some eighteen or twenty 
miles south-east of the city. 

A Solemn Assembly. — On the morning of April 6, 
1853, thousands of Latter-day Saints assembled in confer- 
ence. President Young made a few introductory remarks 
saying that in a few years "we may have a place suf- 
ficiently large to accommodate the Saints, although, 
twenty-three years ago, the Church was organized with 
only six members." The choir sang and prayer was of- 
fered by Elder John Taylor. The procession then formed 
and moved to the foundation of the temple. The general 
authorities of the Church and the authorities ot the Salt 
Lake Stake, took their places around the foundation and 
the ceremonies of laying the corner stones proceeded. 

Dedication of the Corner Stones. — The First Presi- 

32 



482 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

dency, with John Smith the patriarch laid the first or 
south-east corner stone, according - to the pattern given by 
the Prophet Joseph Smith. Following this ceremony 
President Young delivered an oration, and near the close 
he said: 

"We dedicate the south-east corner stone of the temple 
to the Most High God. May it remain in peace till it has 
done its work, and until He who has inspired our hearts 
to fulfil the prophecies of his holy prophets, that the house 
of the Lord should be reared in the 'tops of the Mountains' 
shall be satisfied, and say it is enough." 

President Kimball then offered the prayer of dedica- 
tion, and the assembly gathered at the south-west corner 
stone, which was laid by the Presiding Bishopric, followed 
by an oration by Bishop Edward Hunter, and a prayer 
of dedication by Bishop Alfred Cordon. The north-west 
corner stone was laid by the presidency of the high priests, 
and President John Young of that quorum, delivered the 
oration. Elder George B. Wallace offered the prayer of 
dedication. The last, or north-east corner stone, was laid 
by the council of the twelve. Elder Parley P. Pratt de- 
livered an oration and the prayer of dedication was offered 
by Elder Orson Hyde. 

After benedictory remarks by President Young, the 
procession returned to the Tabernacle and were dismissed. 

President Young's Vision. — In the afternoon service 
of that day, President Young spoke at length in relation 
to temple building. In the course of his remarks he said : 

"I scarcely ever say much about revelations, or visions, 
but suffice it to say, five years ago last July [1847], [ 
was here and saw in the spirit the temple not ten feet 
from where we have laid the chief corner stone. I have 
not inquired what kind of a temple we should build. Why? 
Because it was represented before me. I never looked upon 
that ground, but the vision of it was there. I see it as 
plainly as if it was in reality before me. Wait until it is 
done. I will sav, however, that it will have six towers, to 



CHURCH ACTIVITIES 483 

begin with, instead of one. Now do not any of you apos- 
tatize because it will have six towers, and Joseph only 
built one. It is easier for us to build sixteen, than it was 
for him to build one. The time will come when there will 
be one in the center of temples we shall build, and on the 
top, groves and fish ponds.''* 

Success in Foreign Mission Fields. — The missionaries 
sent out to various parts of the earth in 1849 and suc- 
ceeding years, met with varied success. The Church mem- 
bership in the British Mission, before heavy emigration 
set in, was about twenty-eight thousand souls. Outside of 
Great Britain perhaps the greatest success in any foreign 
field fell to the lot of Erastus Snow and his companions. 
who introduced the Gospel in Scandinavia. Many branches 
were raised up, especially in Denmark, where Elders Snow. 
Peter O. Hansen. George P. Dykes and John E. Forsgren 
were laboring. Elder Forsgren carried the Gospel into 
Sweden and. later f 1851 ^ Hans F. Petersen and Hans 
Peter Jensen, to Norway. In each of these countries the 
elders were successful, although little headway was made 
in Sweden until 1853. Elder Forsgren having been ban- 
ished soon after his arrival there. In Denmark, persecution 
raged, and several of the elders were brutally treated. 
while in Norway they were cast into prison. Elders John 
Taylor and companions in France were able to make some 
converts, but found it to be a hard field. Elders Lorenzo 
Snow, Joseph Toronto and Thomas B. H. Stenhouse. in 
Italy, found conditions similar to those the elders encountered 
in France. Meeting with no success in Genoa, they moved 
to the Protestant valleys of Piedmont, where a few were 
baptized. Finally Elder Stenhouse was sent into Switzer- 
land to open the door for the Gospel there, where many 
were waiting to embrace the truth. The elders in India 
made a number of converts, but principally among the 
English, and branches of the Church were organized in 
that land. The message of salvation was also successfully 



'Millennial Star 15:48?. 



484 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

carried into Australia, by John Murdock and Charles W. 
Wandell; into South Africa, by Elders Jesse Haven, Leon- 
ard I. Smith and William Walker ; Hawaii, by Elder George 
Q. Cannon and companions. In China the mission opened 
by Elders Hosea Stout, James Lewis and Chapman Dun- 
can, was a failure, and Elders Parley P. Pratt and Rufus 
Allen returned from South America, they being unable, 
because of political disturbances, to get a foothold there. 
Elders Addison Pratt, Benjamin F. Grouard, James Brown 
and others, were banished from the Society Islands, and 
the native Saints were sentenced to hard labor for holding 
meetings. Elders Pratt and Grouard, with Noah Rodgers, 
who died' crossing the plains in 1846, had successfully 
introduced the Gospel in those and other islands of the 
Pacific in the day of the Prophet Joseph Smith. 

The Foundation for Future Labors. — These early mis- 
sionaries laid' the foundation for the preaching of the 
Gospel in many foreign lands, which has been continued 
since that time with wonderful results. Thousands of 
honest converts have gladly received the message of sal- 
vation, and with the spirit of gathering resting upon them, 
have come to Zion, as the prophets foretold, with songs of 
everlasting joy. 

The Hand-Cart Immigration. — The early companies 
arriving in the Salt Lake Valley came with oxen, mules 
and horses and heavy laden wagons. The people, however, 
quite generally were under the necessity of walking across 
the plains by the sides of their wagons. It became ap- 
parent that other and cheaper methods would have to be 
employed to accommodate the increasing immigration. As 
early as 1851, the First Presidency suggested the use of hand- 
carts as a means of making the journey from Iowa west- 
ward. In fact, there were in the Salt Lake Valley at that 
time some who had crossed the plains in that manner, 
with comparative comfort and safety, and this had led to 
the suggestion of general travel in hand-cart companies. 
It was not until about the year 1856, however, that the 



CHURCH ACTIVITIES 



485 



idea was impressed upon the foreign Saints, and then after 
repeated suggestions. When they did take hold of it 
they entered into the spirit of hand-cart transportation 
with enthusiasm. Especially was this the case with the 
members of the Church in the British Isles. With hand- 
carts, the British Saints could make the journey from 
Liverpool to Salt Lake City for about forty-five dollars, 
coming by way of Boston or New York to Iowa City, 
where they were fitted out to cross the plains. To those 




HAND-CART COMPANY ON THE PLAINS 



who were scarcely able to raise means, or who did not care 
to be indebted to the Perpetual Emigration Fund Company, 
this was a decided advantage. 

The First Hand-Cart Companies. — The first hand-cart 
companies to cross the plains were led by Edmund Ells- 
worth and Daniel D. McArthur. Ellsworth's company, 
numbering 266 souls, left Iowa City, June 9, 1856. Mc- 
Arthur followed two days later with a company of 220. 
A third and smaller company of Welsh Saints, under com- 
mand of Edward Bunker, left on the 23rd. The members 



486 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

of these three companies pushed their hand-carts contain- 
ing all their worldly possessions, over the plains, the moun- 
tains, and through rivers and streams, a distance of about 
thirteen hundred miles. A few deaths among the aged 
and infirm occurred on the way, but these companies all 
arrived in Salt Lake City in good condition and happy to 
be in Zion. The companies of Ellsworth and McArthur 
arrived on the 26th of September, having been delayed by 
the breaking down of hand-carts which were built of un- 
seasoned timber, and therefore could not stand the strain 
and the excessive heat of the summer sun. They were met 
and welcomed by the First Presidency and a large con- 
course of citizens, with a brass band, at the foot of Little 
Mountain, in Emigration Canyon, and were escorted into 
the city where they received a royal welcome. These two 
companies arrived with ninety-six hand-carts, five wagons, 
twenty-four oxen, four mules, and twenty-five tents. Oc- 
tober 2, Captain Edward Bunker's company arrived 
without having had serious loss, and were also met with 
enthusiastic welcome. 

The Willie and Martin Companies. — Two other com- 
panies with hand-carts were fitted out in the summer of 
1856. The members of these companies were mainly from 
Great Britain and Scandinavia. They arrived in Iowa 
City, the starting point, near the end of June and in the 
fore part of July, where they discovered that the tents and 
hand-carts for their use, were not provided. Consequently 
they were delayed until these necessary articles could be 
manufactured, or purchased. The delay was dangerous, 
for the season was advancing, and the journey across the 
plains should not have been undertaken as late as the mid- 
dle of July, when the first company was prepared t© start. 
This company under the command of James G. Willie, left 
Iowa City, July 15, and Florence [Winter Quarters], Ne- 
braska, on the 19th of August. They were followed by 
the second belated company, the fifth of the season, under 
the command of Edward Martin, about two weeks later. 



CHURCH ACTIVITIES 487 

The Question of Traveling Considered. — While at 
Florence, the question whether they should pursue their 
journey from that point, or go into winter quarters, was 
discussed. The majority were in favor of continuing on 
the way, although there were dissenting voices, because of 
the lateness of the season and the dangers the journey en- 
tailed/ Nevertheless the decision was reached and they de- 
termined to go on rather than remain on the plains through 
the winter. They fully hoped to reach Salt Lake City before 
the chilling blasts of winter should overtake them. This was 
a fatal error, but one, of course, unexpected by most of the 
companies, for the winter season set in much earlier than 
usual that year, and was most severe. 

The Babbitt and Margetts Tragedies. — The fore part 
of this hand-cart journey passed pleasantly enough for such a 
trip, except for the breaking down of carts and feelings of 
anxiety because of Indian raids. The Cheyennes were on 
the warpath and had made attacks on a number of pre- 
ceding immigration trains. In September, while the hand- 
cart companies were on the Platte, Almon W. Babbitt, sec- 
retary of Utah, and a number of his camp who were in ad- 
vance were killed. They were on their way to Utah from 
Washington, with a train of government property. A short 



'While the consideration of this momentous question was being 
discussed the brethren were advised by Elder Levi Savage, who 
was returning from a mission to Siam and Ceylon, that such a 
journey so late in the season should not be undertaken, and it 
would be better to go into winter quarters and wait until spring 
He had been over the route and knew the dangers they would 
likely encounter, but he was overruled. According to the narrative 
of this fatal journey given by John Chislett, when Elder Savage 
was overruled he said : "What I have said I know to be true ; but 
seeing you are to go forward, I will go with you; will help all I 
can ; will work with you, will rest with you, will suffer with you, 
and if necessary, will die with you. May God in his mercy bless 
and preserve us." These were noble sentiments worthy of a place 
in the archives of time. 

For a descriptive and comparatively full account of these 
journeyings of the two belated pioneer companies of hand-carts, 
the reader is referred to the "History of Utah," by Orson F. 
Whitney, Vol. 1 :547. 



488 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

time later Thomas Margetts and wife ; James Cody, wife 
and child, who were on their way to England, were killed 
by the marauding Indians. News of these massacres did 
not tend to lighten the hearts of the hand-cart immigrants, 
but it did serve to make them more vigilant. Even then, 
they were deprived of many of their cattle, which were 
stolen by the red men. 

Disasters on the Way. — Notwithstanding all the dif- 
ficulties and dangers in their path, these two companies 
pressed on with all possible speed. In the fore part of their 
journey, they made favorable daily progress, but as they 
continued, and the roads became more rough and repairs 
were constantly necessary, their progress was delayed. Due 
to the lightness of their hand-carts and the hasty manner 
in which they were constructed of unseasoned wood, they 
began to fall to pieces before the companies were well on 
the journey, and to repair them required time. 

While they were on the Platte, in the middle of Septem- 
ber, the first frosts of the season were encountered, which 
increased in severity day by day. September 30, Captain 
Willie's company arrived at Fort Laramie — five hundred 
miles east of their destination- — and the next day continued 
on their way. From this point on they encountered the 
hardest part of their travel, and winter was fast approach- 
ing. Their rations were growing less, and restrictions were 
placed upon them. What was worse, due to the loss of con- 
veyances and the heavy grades they had to climb when they 
reached the mountains, they had to discard a portion of 
their burdens. Articles of clothing and bedding had to be 
left on the way, that progress might be made. Improperly 
clad and with poor shelter, they were exposed to ,the 
piercing winds and bitter cold- of the early winter storms. 
This caused them severe suffering, and many of the more 
delicate were placed in untimely graves along the way, with- 
out proper ceremony and in compelling haste. Under such 
adverse conditions they were forced to push on, and wait 
not for anything, for emergency demanded haste, lest the 



CHURCH ACTIVITIES 489 

grim and merciless winter embrace them in the grasp of 
death. 

The sufferings of the advance company was repeated, but 
with greater severity, by the one which traveled in the 
rear. The Martin camp was composed of a larger number 
of women and children, and the inclement season, augmented 
by the many other difficulties encountered, caused greater 
loss of life in their ranks. 

Extreme Suffering on the Sweetwater. — On the 
Sweetwater, these immigrants encountered extreme winter 
weather and heavy snows. Death had occurred frequently 
during these stages of the journey. After one of these 
severe storms fifteen members of the camp died in one day, 
while others were severely injured. 

A Party to the Rescue. — Through reports from re- 
turning missionaries who passed these hand-cart companies 
on the way, President Brigham Young learned that they were 
on the plains. Fearing for their safety, he organized relief 
parties and sent them out with provisions, clothing and bed- 
ding to help them to reach the valley. An advance guard 
of two young men, Joseph A. Young and Stephen Taylor, 
was sent in a light wagon to inform the weary and stricken 
travelers that relief was on the way. As these young men 
approached the hand-cart company led by Captain Willie, 
they appeared as angels of mercy. "More welcome messen- 
gers never came from the courts of glory," said John 
Chislett, "than these two young men were to us. They lost 
no time, after encouraging us all they could to press for- 
ward, but sped on further to convey their glad news to 
Edward Martin and the fifth hand-cart company, who had 
left Florence about two weeks after us, and who it was 
feared, were even worse off than we were. As they went 
from our view, many a hearty 'God bless you,' followed' 
them." 

"Martin's Ravine." — As the rescuers pressed on their 
way they discovered the Martin company in a ravine, be- 
tween the Platte and the Sweetwater. The place has been 



490 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

designated "Martin's Ravine," and here the sufferers had 
made their camp. They had about given up all hope and 
were ready to succumb to the rigorous and persecuting 
winter, when word was received that relief was coming. 
The joy that filled the hearts of the survivors — for death 
"had charged such heavy toll that the ravine was like an 
overcrowded tomb — is beyond the power of mortal pen to 
write. 

The Arrival in the Valley.— With the help of the 
"brethren, and the supplies from the valley, the survivors 
of these two belated trains arrived in Salt Lake City in 
November. Captain Willie's company entered the city on 
the 9th, and Captain Martin's three weeks later. Out of 
Captain Willie's company of between four and five hundred 
souls, seventy-seven had perished. Of the Martin company 
about one-fourth of the five hundred and seventy-six who 
started found graves along the way. 

Later Hand-Cart Immigration. — Other companies 
with hand-carts crossed the plains in subsequent years. And 
from the Salt Lake Valley missionaries employed hand- 
carts to help them to their distant fields of labor. Never 
again, however, was a condition permitted to arise such as 
that which overtook the companies under Captains Willie 
and Martin in the fall of 1856. 

The Passing of Prominent Men. — During the period 
covered in this chapter, several prominent elders of the 
Church passed away. Oliver Cowdery, who at the in- 
cipiency of the work, stood with the Prophet Joseph Smith 
as the second elder of the Church, and who, with the 
Prophet, held the keys of this dispensation, as they were 
received from holy angels, passed away. He died March 
3, 1850, at Richmond, Missouri. Only a few months be- 
fore his death [See Chap. 41] he returned to the Church 
after an alienation of several years. Presiding Bishop Newel 
K. Whitney, who was also among the first to embrace the 
•Gospel, died in Salt Lake City, October 13, 1850. He 
joined the Church in Kirtland in 1831, and passed through 



CHURCH ACTIVITIES 4*)1 

the trying scenes of Ohio, Missouri and Illinois. He was 
ordained to be the second bishop of the Church, and after 
the death of Edward Partridge, was sustained as the pre- 
siding bishop. In 1848 he led a company of immigrants 
to the Salt Lake Valley. Two of his sons, Horace K. and 
Orson K., were members of the pioneer band, but their 
father remained at Winter Quarters, where his services were 
required during those trying times. He was succeeded as 
presiding bishop by Edward Hunter in 1851. 

March 11, 1854, Willard Richards, second counselor to 
President Brigham Young, died in Salt Lake City. He was 
born in Massachusetts, in 1804, and was baptized by Brig- 
ham Young, December 31, 1836. The following year he 
accompanied Elder Heber C. Kimball and others to England 
and assisted in the opening of that mission. After his 
companions returned, he remained as one of the presi- 
dency of the British Mission, in which capacity he was 
laboring when the apostles went to that land. Having been 
called to the apostleship, he was ordained in Preston, Eng- 
land, by President Brigham Young and other members of 
the council of the apostles, April 14, 1840. He returned 
to the United States in 1841, and became the private sec- 
retary to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and was with him in 
Carthage prison at the time of the martyrdom. From 1842 
until his death he was Church historian and recorder and at 
the reorganization of the First Presidency, was selected 
by President Young as his second counselor. In this posi- 
tion he was succeeded by Elder Jedediah M. Grant, and 
as historian, by Elder George A Smith. 

"Uncle" John Smith, the presiding patriarch of the 
Church, died in Salt Lake City, May 23, 1854. He was ', 
man of tried integrity and had served in the councils of the 
Church from the time of his baptism until his death. He 
was among the first of the Prophet's relatives to receive 
the truth and through his influence others were converted. 
He was succeeded in the office of patriarch, by John 
Smith, eldest son of the Patriarch Hvrum Smith. 



492 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 




EDEDIAH M. GRANT 



Elder Orson Spencer, 
a man of superior educa- 
tion, who served the 
Church faithfully and well 
as a missionary for many 
years, was called to the 
other side of the Veil, Oc- 
tober 15, 1855, while at St. 
Louis. He had presided in 
the British Mission during 
one of the critical periods 
in that land. 

Jedediah M. Grant, sec- 
ond counselor to President 
Brigham Young, died in 
Salt Lake City, December 1, 
1856, after a brief illness. 
He was a young man of 
forceful character and had been identified with the 
Church since 1833. He was a member of ZionVCamp in 
1834; was chosen among the first seventies, and in that 
calling filled a number of successful missions throughout 
the United States. He passed through the persecutions of 
Missouri and Illinois, and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, 
in charge of the last company to cross the plains in 1847. 
He was the first mayor of Salt Lake City, and when he was 
called to be a counselor to President Young, was serving 
as one of the first council of the seventies. He was suc- 
ceeded as a counselor in the First Presidency by Elder 
Daniel H. Wells. 

The Assassination of Parley P. Pratt. — Another 
death, occurring May 13, 1857, was that of Elder Parley P. 
Pratt of the council of the twelve. In the autumn of 
1856, Elder Pratt left Salt Lake City with a company of 
missionaries, and crossed the plains. That winter he la- 
bored in St. Louis, Philadelphia, New York and other cities 
in the East. In the spring of 1857, he was in Arkansas- 



CHURCH ACTIVITIES 493 

While there he attempted to assist a Mrs. Hector H. Mc- 
Lean, who was a member of the Church, to obtain possession 
of her children, she having separated from her husband 
because of drunkenness and cruelty. McLean accused El- 
der Pratt of alienating the affections of his wife and at- 
tempting to abduct the children. A trial was held, and 
Elder Pratt was acquitted of the charge. Shortly after- 
wards, as he was journeying from Van Buren County 
where the court was held, intending to join an immigrant 
company for Utah, he was overtaken by McLean who 
plunged a bowie knife in his side. After Elder Pratt had 
fallen from his horse, McLean shot him with a pistol. The 
assassin was never punished for the foul deed. In this 
manner died one of the greatest expounders of the latter- 
day faith, a poet and writer, whose works survive and have 
done much to bring many to a knowledge of the Gospel. 
Although their author's voice has long been stilled, his work 
yet speaks with convincing power. 



CHAPTER 43 

"THE UTAH WAR." 
1856—1858 

Political Changes. — Chief Justice Lazarus H. Reed, 
after a short stay in Utah, resigned because of ill-health, 
and returned to the East where he died in the spring of 
1855. He was succeeded as chijef justice by John F. 
Kinney, of Iowa, in 1854. After the close of the term 
of Judge Zerubbabel Snow, William W. Drummond, of 
Illinois, was appointed associate justice. Judge Leoni- 
das Shaver died suddenly in Salt Lake City in June, 
1855, due to an abscess on the brain, and he was suc- 
ceeded by George P. Stiles. 

Character of the Federal Judges. — Chief Justice Kin- 
ney was a gentleman, and performed his duty faithfully 
without partiality. The appointment of the two asso- 
ciate justices was a calamity. Drummond was dishonest 
and licentious. He left his wife and family in Illinois 
without means for their support, and brought with him 
to the territory a common courtezan, whom he intro- 
duced as his wife. This woman he honored with a place 
by his side while he sat in court dispensing advice to the 
"Mormons" on morality. Judge Stiles had been a member 
of the Church, but was excommunicated for immoral con- 
duct. Like most characters of that class, he became very 
abusive and a bitter enemy of the Church. The corruption 
of Judge Drummond coming to light, that individual left 
the territory in disgrace. 

Falsehoods; of Drummond and Stiles. — March 30, 
1857, Judge Drummond wrote a letter to the attorney gen- 
eral of the United States, making false charges agains: 
Governor Young and the "Mormon" people. He went to 
Carson County to hold court, and then continued on to 
the coast never to return to Utah. In his communication he 
declared that the records of the supreme court of Utah had 



'THE UTAH WAR" 495 

been destroyed ; that Brigham Young had given his approval 
to this treasonable deed, and with his knowledge it was 
done; that Brigham Young, as governor, had pardoned 
"Mormon" criminals and imprisoned innocent "Gentiles;" 
he had insulted federal judges; the American Government 
had been traduced and men "insulted, harrassed and mur- 
dered for doing their duty." He accused the "Mormon" 
people of the murder of Almon W. Babbitt; of perpetrat- 
ing the Gunnison massacre. and of the death of Judge 
Shaver, who died a natural death. He placed the responsi- 
bility of these alleged crimes at the door of the authorities 
of the Church. 

Judge Stiles also filed an affidavit at Washington, affirm- 
ing much that Judge Drummond had said, and emphasizing 
the statement that the court records and papers had been 
destroyed. Others also added to the unrighteous accusa- 
tions with the evil thought of bringing the Church into dis- 
repute. Among them were Indian Agent Garland Hurt. 
and W. M. Magraw. The latter having been disappointed 
in losing the contract to carry mail across the plains, which 
contract was awarded to Hiram Kimball, i "Mormon," 
.sought revenge by circulating falsehoods. He stated that 
the civil laws of the territory were "overshadowed and neu- 
tralized by the so-styled ecclesiastical organization, as des- 
potic, dangerous and damnable" as ever existed. Other, and 



°Captain John W. Gunnison, in charge of a party of topo- 
graphical engineers, was murdered by Indians, with a number 
of his party, near Sevier Lake, in October 1853. The mas- 
sacre was in revenge for the killing of one Indian and the 
wounding of two others, by a company of emigrants on their 
way to California. According to Indian practice the next com- 
pany that came along was attacked as a reprisal. At the time 
of this deed of blood the Indians under Chief Walker were 
waging war on the inhabitants of Utah, that event is known 
in historical annals as "The Walker War." Captain Gunnison 
and companions were buried at Fillmore, with respect and 
honor. The tragedy cast a gloom over all the "Mormon" 
settlements, for the leader of this company of government 
representatives was respected by all the people, for his kindness 
and friendly feeling. 



496 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

even more serious accusations, he forwarded in a communi- 
cation to President Buchanan in October, 1856. 

Denial of False Charges. — Curtis E. Bolton, deputy 
clerk of the supreme court of Utah, made denial in his offi- 
cial capacity, of the Drummond charges. He stated that 
the records and papers of the court were all intact. This 
denial was speedily forwarded to the attorney general of 
the United States, but was ignored in the face of the vari- 
ous statements of the lying officials. 

The Conspirators Demand Governor Young's Re- 
moval. — At the time these falsehoods were sent to Wash- 
ington, Governor Brigham Young was serving his second 
term. At the close of his first term as governor, Col. Ed- 
ward J. Steptoe of the United States Army, was appoint- 
ed to that position. He declined, and with Chief Justice 
Kinney, headed a petition, which bore the names of the fed- 
eral officials, army officers and prominent citizens in the 
territory, asking for the reappointment of Governor Young. 
The petition bore fruit and President Franklin Pierce con- 
tinued Brigham Young in office. These conspirators now 
endeavored to have him removed, and this desire was very 
largely the underlying cause in their evil accusations. 

"Buchanan's Blunder." — Accepting at their face val- 
ue, without any investigation, the inflammatory and lying 
charges of the enemies of Utah, President James Buchanan 
determined on changing the governor, and also appointed 
new judges. He further directed that an army must accom- 
pany the new appointees, as a posse comitatus, to sustain 
the authority of these officers, and suppress "rebellion'' 
among the "Mormon" people. 

It was announced through the war department that the 
"Mormons" "implicitly obey their prophet from whose de- 
crees there is no appeal." Moreover, that they had aimed 
from the beginning to secede from the Union, and had not 
"preserved even the semblance of obedience to authority, 
only as it would benefit themselves." Such was the ignor- 
ance of the authorities at Washington regarding Latter- 



"THE UTAH WAR" 497 

day Saint affairs, so soon after the loyal and remarkable 
feat performed by the Mormon Battalion in the war which 
made their territory a part of the United States. Such was 
to be the reward of this loyal people who would sacrifice 
five hundred of their most capable men in the hour of their 
greatest distress, at the call of their country. These expres- 
sions from Washington were made in the face of the con- 
stant appeals by the "Mormon" people for a form of gov- 
ernment under the Stars and Stripes, in spite of the evil 
treatment they had constantly received within the borders of 
the United States ; and, too, after their appeal to the gen- 
eral government for redress of grievances was answered 
from Washington, that their cause was just, but nothing 
could be done for them. 

When appealing to Washington for redress, while they 
resided in Illinois, they were advised by governors and lead- 
ing statesmen to move to Oregon, where they could set up 
a government of their own, free and independent of all other 
earthly powers. Their reply to such advice was, that they 
were American citizens, and where they went they would 
take the flag of their country with them. 

It appears from this distant date, that there were other 
motives prompting the President of the United States in 
sending the flower of the army into the "Mormon" country, 
ostensibly to suppress a rebellion which did not exist, and 
aid in a rebellion soon to occur, which was destined to divide 
the nation asunder. What-ever the motive, the army was 
sent, and was kept in Utah for a number of years at the 
beginning of a critical period of the nation's history. 

Call of the Army. — May 28, 1857, orders were issued 
from the war department for the assembling of an army 
at Fort Leavenworth, to march to Utah as soon as possible. 
All mail toward Utah had been stopped, and for some rea- 
son the government conducted its campaign against that 
territory with great secrecy. It was practically a declaration 
of war by the United States against one of her dependent 
units, without investigation or just cause — a thing without 

33 



498 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH: HISTORY 

a parallel inithe annals of our country. "It is probable," 
states Bancroft, /'that no expedition was ever dispatched by 
the United States better equipped and provisioned than was 
the army of Utah, of which the portion now under orders 
mustered about twenty-five hundred men." Then he argues 
that the expedition was conducted in the interests of the 
contractors. The men who secured the flour contract 
netted in a single year the sum of one hundred and seventy 
thousand dollars. 

How the Saints Learned of the Expedition. — While 
all these warlike preparations were going on, the Saints in 
the Rocky Mountains, dwelling in peace, were innocent 1 of 
any threatened invasion. The first information of such an 
expedition was received by Elders Feramorz Little and 
Ephraim K. Hanks in February, 1857. They had just ar- 
rived at Independence with mail, where they heard from 
several parties who desired to secure contracts from the 
government for handling the supply tiains, that a movement 
was on foot against L T tah. They could hardly believe the 
rumors and reports that came to their ears. Later Elder 
Abraham O. Smoot, on his way east with mail, met Elder 
Little at Fort Laramie, from whom he heard the rumors. 
Proceeding on his way, Elder Smoot met some troops and 
several trains of government supplies. From his inquiries 
he received no satisfactory answer as to their destination, 
only that they were bound for a western post and that the 
supplies belonged to William H. Russell. At Independence 
he learned from Mr. Russell that the destination of the trains 
was Salt Lake City, and that government troops would soon 
follow. He was also informed that Brigham Young had 
been superseded as governor and that new federal officers 
had been appointed for Utah. Gaining all the information 
he could, Elder Smoot commenced his homeward journey, 
traveling leisurely at first, for fear of arousing suspicion, but 
increasing his speed as he neared his destination. A short 
distance east of Fort Laramie he met Orrin Porter Rock- 
well with the east bound mail. To him he told his story and 



"THE UTAH WAR" 499 

together they, and Judson L. Stoddard, returned to the Salt 
Lake Valley, arriving on the evening of July 23. 

The 24th of July Celebration. — When these brethren 
arrived they learned that President Brigham Young and 
about twenty-six hundred people had gone to Silver Lake, 
at the head of Big Cottonwood Canyon. There they expect- 
ed to celebrate the twenty-fourth — the tenth anniversary of 
the arrival of the pioneers in Salt Lake Valley. On the 
morning of the 24th, Mayor Smoot of Salt Lake City, Jud- 
son L. Stoddard, Judge Elias Smith and Orrin P. Rockwell, 
started for the scene of the celebration. They arrived in the 
afternoon in the midst of the ceremonies and the first view 
to attract their gaze was the Stars and Stripes unfurled trom 
two lofty peaks and some of the tallest trees. With grave 
countenances these messengers bearing evil tidings ap- 
proached Governor Young and told their story. A council 
of the brethren was called and the situation discussed. That 
evening the assembly was informed by General Daniel H. 
Wells of the militia, that an army was on its way to Utah. 
He gave instructions as to the manner of the departure from 
the camp on the following morning. Early the next day 
(25th) the people, so happy the day before, returned to 
their homes with bowed heads and hearts filled with sadness. 

The Decision of the Council. — Twice in Missouri and 
once in Illinois had the Saints been driven from their homes 
at the point of the bayonet, and that, too, by aid of state au- 
thority. Their Prophet and Patriarch had been foully mur- 
dered by a mob while under the pledge of protection of a 
governor of Illinois. The Saints had been murdered and 
robbed while the nation looked on without interference. 
And now there was coming to their distant home, a body of 
troops organized and equipped by the President of the Unit- 
ed States. They were coming without warning and without 
valid excuse. Was it not natural under all the circumstances 
for this people to feel that once again they were to be 
butchered, robbed and driven — where, no one could tell ! 
Naturally they were aroused. Their backs were against the 



500 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

wall. They must make a stand, and if to fight was the in- 
tention of the troops, then fight it should be. They were 
determined to maintain their inherent and constitutional 
rights. Conquered, they should not be; if they were driven 
they should leave the land as desolate as they found it. 
If the government of the United States desired to install 
new officers, they could come in peace, and welcome. Such 
had always been the attitude of the Latter-day Saints. They 
could only judge by the experiences of the past what the 
designs of the army might be, for no word had been sent 
them of its purpose. "Liars have reported that this people 
have committed treason, and upon their misrepresentations 
the President has ordered out troops to assist in officering 
the territory/' said President Young. "We have transgressed 
no law, neither do iwe intend to do so ; but as for any na- 
tion coming to destroy this people, God Almighty being my 
helper, it shall not be." Such was the decision of the coun- 
cils of the Church. And where is the patriot whose blood 
would not burn within his veins; whose heart would not 
beat for freedom ; who would not stand as this band of hum- 
ble worshipers of the Lord and Savior of mankind pro- 
posed to stand, if driven to the extreme? 

Captain Van Vliet. — In advance of the army there 
came to Utah Captain Stewart Van Vliet of the commissary 
department. His object was to discover if forage and fuel 
could be obtained for the troops while in the territory. As 
soon as he arrived he obtained an interview with Governor 
Young. He was treated with the greatest kindness and hos- 
pitality, and so he reported to his superiors. However, he 
was informed that no hostile force would be permitted to 
enter the Salt Lake Valley ; there was an abundance of every 
thing the troops would need, but not one thing would be sold 
to them. Federal officers could come, if they came in peace, 
and would be kindly and courteously received; but they 
could not bring an hostile army. 

Captain Van Vliet's Report. — In his report Captain 
Van Vliet said: 



"THE UTAH WAR" 501 

"In the course of my conversation with the Governor and 
the influential men of the Territory, I told them plainly and 
frankly what I conceived would be the result of their present 
course. I told them that they might prevent the small mili- 
tary force now approaching Utah from getting through the 
narrow defiles and rugged passes of the mountains this year, 
but that next season the United States Government would 
send troops sufficient to overcome all opposition. The an- 
swer to this was invariably the same: 'We are aware that 
such will be the case ; but when those troops arrive they will 
find Utah a desert. Every house will be burned to the ground, 
every tree cut down, and every field laid waste. We have 
three years' provisions on hand, which we will cache, and 
then take to the mountains and bid defiance to all the powers 
of the Government.' 

"I attended their services on Sunday, and, in course of a 
sermon delivered by Elder Taylor, he referred to the ap- 
proach of the troops and declared they should not enter the 
Territory. He then referred to the probability of an over- 
powering force being sent against them, and desired all pres- 
ent who would apply the torch to their buildings, cut down 
their trees, and lay waste their field's, to hold up their 
hands. Every hand, in an audience numbering over four 
thousand persons, was raised at the same moment. During 
my stay in the city I visited several families, and all with 
whom I was thrown, looked upon the present movement of 
the troops towards their Territory as the commencement of 
another religious persecution, and expressed a fixed deter- 
mination to sustain Governor Young in any measure he 
might adopt." . 

Good Resulting from the Visit. — The sympathy of 
Captain Van Vliet was drawn out toward the people. He 
admired their stand although careful of his expression as he 
was under orders from the government. He was convinced 
that the people had been misrepresented and lied about, and 
it is said he declared that if the government made war upon 
the Saints, he would withdraw from the army. However, he 
thought the government would send to Utah an investigat- 
ing committee. "I believe," said Governor Young, "God 



502 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

sent you here; and that good will grow out of it. I was glad 
when I heard you were coming. If we can keep the peace 
this winter, I feel sure that something will occur to prevent 
the shedding of blood." The captain returned to Washing- 
ton and made his report to the secretary of war. 

Johnston in Command. — When the army was ordered 
to Utah the command was given to General W. S. Harney, 
who was at the time in charge at Fort Leavenworth. Cap- 
tain Van Vliet called on him when returning to Washington 
after his visit in Utah. The captain informed General Har- 
ney of the attitude of the " Mormon" people and the condi- 
tions as they existed in the territory. The general replied : 
"I am ordered there, and I will winter in the valley, or in 
hell." Late in the summer the command was given to 
Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston, with the rank of brevet 
brigadier general. 

The Start for Utah. — The vanguard of the troops, 
under Colonel E. B. Alexander, started from Fort Leaven- 
worth in July, 1857. With them traveled Alfred Cumming, 
of Georgia, the newly appointed governor, and other fed- 
eral appointees for Utah. As the troops reached the South 
Pass, they were met by Captain Van Vliet, who advised 
them not to attempt to enter the Salt Lake Valley that win- 
ter, as no arrangements could be made for supplies and they 
would have to fight their way through. Some of the young 
officers, who were in advance, ignored the warning, and ex- 
pressed the thought that they were sufficiently able to force 
their way to Salt Lake City — "that they • could whip all 
Utah." The second regiment he met was commanded by 
old officers, who considered the matter seriously and ex- 
pressed the thought that it was an imposition that they 
should be sent out west "as a political movement to kill inno- 
cent people, or to get killed. " b 

^Colonel Alexander, the ranking- officer of the advance troops 
was a kindly officer inclined towards establishing peace. Cap- 
tain Van Vliet had come in contact with the Latter-day Saints at 
Winter Quarters, when they were on the plains. Another officer 



'-'THE UTAH WAR" ■ —- 503 

Martial Law Proclaimed. — After the departure of 
Captain Van Vliet from Salt Lake City, and while the army 
was near the border of Utah, Governor Young proclaimed 
martial law throughout the territory and notified Colonel 
Alexander of this action. The militia was ordered to be 
held in readiness to repel any attempted invasion, but in- 
structions were given that no blood should be shed, unless 
it was absolutely unavoidable. These instructions were care- 
fully followed and only once during the campaign were shots 
fired with intent to kill, and these were fired by the govern- 
ment forces at a detachment under command of Major Lot 
Smith, who had been sent out to destroy their trains. When 
fired upon there was no retaliation by the members of the 
militia. 

General Wells in Echo Canyon. — Following the 
proclamation of Governor Young, Lieutenant General Dan- 
iel H. Wells of the Nauvoo Legion — the name by which the 
militia was known — established headquarters at "The Nar- 
rows'" in Echo Canyon, a defile, rugged and steep, where a 
few men could hold an army. To this point about twelve 
hundred and fifty men, from several companies of the 



with these troops, whose sympathy and good will went out to- 
ward the "Mormons" was Colonel Philip St. George Cooke, who 
led the Mormon Battalion in the Mexican War. General Johnston 
was from the South, proud and haughty. He looked upon the 
"Mormons" and spoke of them as "rebels" and was inclined to 
treat them as such. 

The spirit also prevailed among the troops that the "Mor- 
mons" were their common prey, and they constantly, while on the 
march, boasted with ribald jests, of what they would do when 
they arrived in Salt Lake City. "We were well informed as to the 
object of the coming of the army," said Elder John Taylor to 
Vice-President Schuyler Colfax, in 1869. "We had men in all 
their camps, and knew what was intended. There was a contin- 
ual boast among the men and officers, even before they left the 
Missouri River, of what they intended to do with the "Mormons." 
The houses were picked out that certain persons were to inhabit; 
farms, property, and women were to be distributed. 'Beauty and 
Booty' were their watchword. We were to have another grand 
"Mormon" conquest, and our houses, gardens, orchards, vineyards 
fields, wives and daughters were to be the spoils." 



504 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

militia, were ordered to report, and maintain the pass by 
force of arms against any attempted invasion. 

Governor Young's Ultimatum. — Colonel Alexander 
continued his march, as it was fully expected that he would, 
and crossed the border of the territory. September 29, 
General Wells forwarded to Colonel Alexander copies of 
Governor Young's proclamation, a copy of the laws of Utah, 
and a letter from Governor Young addressed to "The Offi- 
cer commanding the forces now invading Utah Territory." 
In this letter the following occurs: 

"By virtue of the authority vested in me, I have issued, 
and forwarded you a copy of my proclamation forbidding 
the entrance of armed forces into this Territory. This you 
have disregarded. I now further direct that you retire forth- 
with from the Territory, by the same route you entered. 
Should you deem this impracticable, and prefer to remain un- 
til spring in the vicinity of your present encampment, Black's 
Fork, c or Green River, you can do so in peace and unmo- 
lested on condition that' you deposit your arms and ammuni- 
tion with Lewis Robison, quartermaster general of the Terri- 
tory, and leave in the spring, as soon as the condition of the 
roads will permit you to march; and should you fall short of 
provisions, they can be furnished you, upon making the 
proper applications therefor. General D. H. Wells will for- 
ward this, and receive any communication you may have to 
make." 

In forwarding these communications General Wells de- 
clared that he was determined to carry out Governor 
Young's instructions. 

Colonel Alexander's Reply. — Colonel Alexander made 
the only reply possible which was to the effect that he would 
submit the communications to his superior officers and "in 
the meantime," he added "I have only to say that these 
troops are here by order of the President of the United 






^Black's Fork and Green River mentioned here were at that 
time within the borders of Utah, they are now in Wyoming, the 
corner in which thev are located having- been severed from Utah 
in 1863 and 1868. 



"THE UTAH WAR" 505 

States, and their future movements will depend entirely upon 
orders issued by competent military authority.** 

Guerrilla Warfare. — Following this correspondence 
General Wells determined on carrying out his instructions. 
He ordered Major Joseph Taylor and others under his com- 
mand to annoy the troops ; stampede their cattle ; set fire to 
their trains; burn the whole country before them and on 
their flanks ; keep them from sleeping by night surprises ; 
blockade the road ; but must avoid strictly the taking of life. 
These instructions were faithfully followed and Major Lot 
Smith with a company of mounted rangers destroyed trains, 
ran off cattle and burned the grass, and otherwise inflicted 
damage, but no blood was shed. 

Arrival of General Johnston. — Early in November, 
1857, General Albert Sidney Johnston, with additional 
troops and supplies, overtook the main body of the army on 
Black's Fork. He was a capable and popular officer and 
soon enthused the troops who had become dispirited because 
of their many reverses. Their journey had not been a pleas- 
ant one, the Indians had run off many of their cattle, and 
the "Mormon" mountaineers had harrassed them, had 
burned their trains of supplies, and destroyed the grass on 
which their teams and cattle were dependent. But their 
troubles were only beginning. Their haughty commander 
ordered a forward movement toward Fort Bridger, dis- 
daining to turn from the direct route through the mountains. 

If "the stars in their courses fought against Sisera," in 
the days of ancient Israel, surely the elements fought 
against Johnston's army in the days of modern Israel. From 
their camp to Fort Bridger was less than forty miles, but it 
was a barren desert. They found no shelter from the winter 
winds, there was no fuel, except the sage, and very little 



<*The question might be raised as to why Brigham Young would 
forward a communication as governor, when another had been ap- 
pointed. Governor Young had not been notified that his successor 
had been appointed and that successor had not qualified as gover- 
nor. 



506 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

pasture for their animals. They commenced on the 6th of 
November, and their trains, extending for many miles, were 
forced to face the snow and sleet of the most severe winter 
weather. Their teams were goaded until they dropped dead 
in their traces. Fifteen days they were on the journey. 
Their cattle died for lack of food and exposure to freezing 
weather. When they arrived they found that Bridger and 
also Fort Supply, twelve miles away, had been burned by 
the militia. 

The Forward March Abandoned. — It became appar- 
ent that it would be impossible to reach the Salt Lake Valley 
before the coming spring. With great reluctance and in- 
jured pride the commander gave orders that the troops go 
hvo winter quarters on Black's Fork. During the winter 
months Chief Justice Eckles, who with other federal officers 
dwelt in the camp, organized a court, without waiting to 
qualify, and indicted the leading men in Utah for treason 
and rebellion. 

Proclamation of Governor Cumming. — Governor 
Cumming issued a proclamation to the people of the terri- 
tory in which he said : "I come among you with no preju- 
dice or enmities, ?nd by the exercise of a just and firm ad- 
ministration I hope to command your confidence. Freedom 
of conscience and the use of your own peculiar mode of 
serving God are sacred rights, the exercise of which is guar- 
anteed by the Constitution, and with which it is not the prov- 
ince of the government or the disposition of its representa- 
tives in the territory to interfere." Let it be said to his 
credit that these sentiments were sincere, and when he was 
established in his office he was brave enough to execute jus- 
tice as he saw it. He commanded all armed bodies in the 
territory to disband and return to their homes stating that 
disobedience would "subject the offenders to the punish- 
ment due to traitors." 

There was no disposition on the part of the militia to 
disband. Too often had they been despoiled by mobs under 
guise of lawful troops. They had stood enough and were 



"THE UTAH WAR" 507 

determined to defend their homes, no matter what were the 
accusations made against them. 

The Mediation of Colonel Kane. — At the beginning 
of the difficulties Governor Young sent a communication to 
Colonel Thomas L. Kane, explaining the motives in declar- 
ing martial law in Utah, and asking him to intercede at 
Washington. This loyal friend of the "Mormons" did not 
fail. He interviewed the President and offered his services 
as mediator between the government and the people of Utah. 
His services were accepted and he crossed the Isthmus of 
Panama, sailing from New York, and proceeded from Cali- 
fornia to Utah, where he arrived in February, 1858. At the 
time Congress was preparing to send reinforcements and 
money to carry on the "war." Colonel Kane arrived, deli- 
cate in health, and wishing to test the "Mormon" people ap- 
peared in Salt Lake City in disguise as "Dr. Osborne." He 
received hospitable treatment and was welcomed warmly 
when he became known. He reported the nature of his visit 
and reported that Captain Van Vliet had proved himself a 
friend of the "Mormons" on his return to Washington. 

A fter a few days' rest Colonel Kane departed for the army 
camp on Black's Fork to interview Governor Cumming. 
After severe trials and adventures he arrived at the camp. 
Governor Cumming received him cordially and agreed to 
place himself under his direction and go to Salt Lake City 
without military aid. Such a step was strongly opposed by 
General Johnston, who attempted to arrest Colonel Kane as a 
spy. Governor Cumming felt insulted at the indignity of- 
fered and demanded an explanation, which the commanding 
officer failed to give in a satisfactory manner. The incident 
almost precipitated a duel between General Johnston and 
Colonel Kane. 

Governor Cumming Enters Salt Lake City — His Re- 
ception. — Accompanied by Colonel Kane and two ser- 
vants, Governor Cumming set out for Salt Lake City. On 
the way they were met by an escort of Utah cavalry. Arriv- 
ing in the city he was received with a cordial reception and 



508 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

was conducted to the home of William C. Staines, the terri- 
torial librarian. President Young called on him and bid him 
welcome saying, every facility that he might require for the 
efficient performance of his administrative duties, would be 
at his command. The governor wrote to General Johnston 
saying: "I have been everywhere recognized as Governor 
of Utah ; and so far from having encountered insults or in- 
dignities, I am satisfied in being able to state to you, that in. 
passing through the settlements I have been universally 
greeted with such respectful attentions as are due to the 
representative authority of the United States in the terri- 
tory." 

The Governor's Report to Secretary Cass. — After a 
thorough examination, and finding all the records of the 
courts in perfect order, Governor Gumming wrote to Secre- 
tary of State Lewis M. Cass informing him of the true con- 
ditions in the territory and of the false reports which had 
stood as a foundation for the sending of an army. 

The Exodus Toward the South. — When Governor 
Cumming arrived in the city he discovered that many of the 
inhabitants of that place and the settlements to the north, 
had left their homes. Others were journeying toward the 
south. Where they were bound he could not learn more than 
that they were "going south" and driving their flocks and 
herds before them. He expressed the belief to the govern- 
ment that the destiny of these people was Sonora in north- 
ern Mexico. He regretted greatly that they felt it neces- 
sary to move, but he could do nothing to persuade them to 
remain as long as they were menaced by an army. Their 
experience in the past was too bitter in this regard, and 
could not be forgotten. 

"Our military force could overwhelm most of these poor 
people," wrote the governor, "involving men, women, and 
children in a common fate, but there are among the 'Mor- 
mons' brave men, accustomed to arms and horses ; men who 
could fight desperately as guerrillas : and who, if the settle- 
ments are destroyed, will subject the country to an expen- 



"THE UTAH WAR" 509 

sive and protracted war, without any compensating results. 
They will, I am sure, submit to 'trial by their peers,' but they 
will not brook the idea of trials by 'juries' composed of 
'teamsters and followers of the camp.' " 

The Governor's Wife Pleads for the People. — In the 
middle of May, Governor Cumming returned to Camp Scott, 
where the troops were quartered. When he returned, his wife 
was with him. She gazed upon the deserted homes — for the 
people had departed, leaving only a guard to fire their prop- 
erty should the troops arrive in hostile attitude. The good 
woman wept and pleaded with her husband to do something 
to bring back the people. "Rest assured madam," said, he, 
""I shall do all I can. I only wish I could be in Washington 
for two hours; I am sure I could convince the government 
that we have no need of troops." 

The Peace Commission. — Through the good services 
of faithful friends — among whom Colonel Thomas L. Kane 
stands out in bold relief — the government was persuaded to 
send peace commissioners to Utah. These gentlemen were 
Governor L. W. Powell of Kentucky and Major Ben Mc- 
Cullock of Texas. With them came Jacob Forney, Indian 
Superintendent for Utah. They met with Governor Cum- 
ming, Brigham Young and other prominent men, when the 
whole situation was discussed. It was agreed that there 
should be no opposition to Johnston's army passing through 
the city providing they were not permitted to stop, but 
should pass on to make their camp at least forty miles away. 

Their Epistle to Johnston. — An agreement having 
been reached, the commissioners addressed a communication 
to General Johnston advising him of what had been done and 
requesting him to make proclamation among his troops. The 
commander was surprised at the decision, stating that the 
army would not trespass upon the rights or property of the 
peaceable citizens. His men, many of them, were greatly 
disappointed, for they were to be denied the privilege of 
plunder for which they hoped and talked about as they 
marched upon their way. 



510 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

The Arrival of the Troops.— June 26, 1858, the army 
under command of General Johnston, entered the Salt Lake 
Valley through Emigration Canyon. They passed through 
the city, now almost without inhabitants, and camped on the 
opposite side of Jordan river. Colonel Cooke, as he rode 
through the streets of the city, bared his head in honor of 
the valiant and loyal men of the Mormon Battalion. Three 
days after their arrival the troops passed on to the south- 
west and camped in Cedar Valley where they founded Camp 
Floyd, named after the Secretary of War, and here was to 
be their scene of action for several years to come. 

The President's "Pardon/'— On the 6th of April, 
President Buchanan signed a proclamation, "offering to the 
inhabitants of Utah, who shall submit to the laws, a free 
pardon for the seditions and treasons heretofore by them com- 
mitted; warning those who still persist, after notice of this 
proclamation in the present rebellion against the United 
States, that they must expect no further lenity." This 
document, which is quite lengthy was brought to Utah with 
the commissioners. The authorities of the Church denied 
that they had been disloyal, and disputed the statements in 
the President's proclamation. Nevertheless, they accepted 
his pardon for driving off the cattle and burning the army 
trains, which they stoutly maintained was done in self de- 
fense ; but the other charges they fully denied. 

The fact is that President Buchanan had been roundly 
scored in the press, and by statesmen in our own country 
and abroad. The easiest way out of it, for he had commit- 
ted a great blunder, was to issue a proclamation exonerat- 
ing himself, and pardoning the "culprits" who dared to main- 
tain their rights against such overwhelming odds. 



CHAPTER 44 

THE MOUNTAIN MEADOWS MASSACRE 
1857 

A Shocking Crime. — While Captain Van Vliet was 
interviewing President Brigham Young, there was occurring 
in the southwest corner of Utah — about three hundred miles 
from Salt Lake City — the most horrible and shocking crime 
ever perpetrated within the borders of the state. * It was the 
massacre at Mountain Meadows of a company of emigrants 
who were journeying to southern California. This bloody and 
diabolical deed commenced at dawn, September 7, 1857, and 
continued until the 11th, when the besieged emigrants who 
survived the attacks, under promise of protection were foully 
murdered. 

It was the deed of enraged Indians aided by a number 
of white men, who took vengeance into their hands for 
wrongs committed by a few of the emigrants who were pro- 
nounced enemies of both whites and Indians. 

It was a crime for which there can be no apology or ex- 
cuse, a thing fc-eacherous and damnable in the extreme. But 
for the "Mormon" people it was most unfortunate that it 
should happen at this particular time. There were circulat- 
ing throughout the nation many evil reports concerning the 
Latter-day Saints. All manner of crimes and murders oc- 
curring within a thousand miles of Utah, were charged 
against them. Even the executive of the nation and other 
high officials were countenancing these reports and aiding 
in their circulation. The army was on the plains making 
its way to Utah to suppress alleged violation of law and re- 
bellion ; and now, to add to the horror of the situation, the 
report went forth that the ''Mormons" had attacked and 
killed a party of innocent people peacefully passing through 
their land. Thus color was given to the falsehood that life 



512 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

and property of "Gentiles" were unsafe within the Territory 
of Utah. 

It may be said without fear of successful contradiction, 
that there was less crime committed in Utah during the days 
of pioneer life than in any other similarly situated section 
of the country. California had her vigilantes who executed 
judgment with swift vengeance, without legal trial. Such 
was also the condition in other border states and territories, 
and woe to the individual who incurred the wrath of the 
powers who controlled. The "Mormon" people had been 
taught from the beginning: "Thou shalt not kill." Mur- 
der, according to their teaching, committed wantonly, was 
a sin for which there was no forgiveness in this life, neither 
in the life to come. Next, and like unto it stood sexual 
immorality. Both of these great sins were denounced by 
the Saints most emphatically. 

Crimes Falsely Charged to the Church Authorities. 

— One thing most trying to the members of the Church was 
the attempt by their enemies to charge Brigham Young and 
the leaders of the Church with every wrong committed in the 
western country. These attempts led Jacob Forney, Indian 
Agent in 1859, to write to Washington saying: 

"I fear, and I regret to say it, that with certain parties 
here there is a greater anxiety to connect Brigham Young 
and other Church dignitaries with every criminal offense 



°It may as well be understood at the outset that this horrible 
crime so often and so persistently charged upon the "Mormon" 
Church and its leaders, was the crime of an individual, the crime of 
a fanatic of the worst stamp, one who was a member of the "Mor- 
mon" Church, but of whose intentions the Church knew nothing, 
and whose bloody acts, the members of the Church, high and low, 
regard with as much abhorrence as any out of the Church. Indeed, 
the blow fell upon the brotherhood with threefold force and dam- 
age. There was the cruelty of it, which wrung their hearts; and 
there was the strength it lent their enemies further to malign and 
molest them. The "Mormons" denounce the Mountain Meadows 
Massacre, and every act connected therewith, as earnestly and hon- 
estly as any in the outside world. This is abundantly proved and 
may be accepted as a historical fact. (Bancroft's "History of 
Utah," p. 544.) 



MOUNTAIN MEADOWS MASSACRE 513 

than diligent endeavor to punish the actual perpetrators of 
crime." 

How the Massacre Occurred. — About the time the 
news arrived in Salt Lake City of the coming of an army, 
there was passing through the city under command of Cap- 
tain Fancher, a company of emigrants from Arkansas and 
Missouri. This company consisted of about thirty families, 
numbering one hundred and thirty-seven persons. The Ar- 
kansas emigrants appeared to be respectable and well-to-do. 
With them there traveled a rough and reckless company 
calling themselves "Missouri Wild Cats," who conducted 
themselves in keeping with the name. This company was 
advised by Elder Charles C. Rich, one of the leaders of 
the Church, to take the northern route. Had they done so 
they would have saved their lives. They went as far as 
Bear River and then returned deciding to journey to the 
south. On their way, it is alleged, the rougher element 
of the party abused the people of the southern settlements 
through which they passed. They tore down fences, de- 
stroyed property, insulted women, and otherwise made them- 
selves obnoxious. It is said, on reliable authority, that at 
Fillmore they threatened to destroy the town, "and boasted 
of their participation in the murders and other outrages that 
were inflicted upon the 'Mormons' in Missouri and Il- 
linois." At Corn Creek, fifteen miles farther to the south, 
it was reported that they poisoned the springs and also the 
body of an ox that had died. The carcass was eaten by a 
band of Piute Indians and ten of their number died. Some 
of the cattle of the settlers died from drinking of the poi- 
soned springs. As the cattle were fat, the owners "tried them 
up" for the tallow, and a number of white persons were 
poisoned from the handling of the meat. These "Wild Cats" 
expressed their pleasure at the coming of the army, and 
threatened to stop at some convenient place and leave their 
women and children, and return to assist the troops in killing 
every "Mormon" there was in the mountains. 

Just to what extent credence can be placed in these 

34 



514 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

charges cannot be determined. The fact remains, however, 
that they gave expression to their hatred of the " Mormon' ' 
people, made many threats, and abused the Indians along 
their way. 

The Purchase of Supplies. — It has been said that 
these emigrants could not purchase supplies in Salt Lake 
City and the other settlements of the Saints, and had been 
ordered away from Salt Lake City by President Young. 
This is not the fact. President Young did not know they 
were in the city and first heard of them after they had de- 
parted. Along the way they did obtain supplies as they 
desired and as the Saints were able to impart to them, as 
there is abundant evidence to show. They were well treated 
by most of the settlers, and not until their own actions 
brought upon them the ill will of the southern settlements 
was this attitude changed. 

Word Sent to Brigham Young. — So intense did the 
feeling become on the part of both the Indians and the white 
population in the southern settlements that it was deemed 
necessary to send a messenger to Governor Brigham Young 
to know what should be done. Some of the people ex- 
pressed the feeling that since the emigrants had declared 
themselves as enemies they should be treated as such, but 
the more sober minded maintained that they should be per- 
mitted to continue their journey to the coast unmolested. 
James H. Haslam carried a message from Colonel Isaac 
Haight, of the militia, to Salt Lake City to obtain advice of 
Governor Young. In the meantime it was agreed that every 
effort should be made to pacify the Indians and prevent them 
from making an attack. Haslam left Cedar City in the after- 
noon of Monday, September 7, and made all haste on horse- 
back, arriving in Salt Lake City on the morning of the 
10th. He immediately delivered his message, and Governor 
Young asked him if he could undertake the return journey 
without delay. He said he could. "Go with all speed, spare 
no horse flesh. The emigrants must not be meddled with, if 
it takes all Iron County to prevent it. They must go free 



MOUNTAIN MEADOWS MASSACRE 515 

and unmolested." This was the answer he received. Has- 
lam, although he had just finished a hard journey, immed- 
iatly returned arriving in Cedar City on the 13th with p. 
written message from Governor Young to Colonel Haight. 
The Answer Arrives Too Late. — The message to 
Colonel Haight of the militia from Governor Young was as 
follows : 

"In regard to the emigration trains passing through our 
settlements, we must not interfere with them until they are 
first notified to keep away. You must not meddle with 
them. There are no other trains that I know of. If those 
who are there will leave, let them go in peace." 

Colonel Isaac C. Haight read the letter, and shedding 
tears replied: "Too late, too late!" The morning (Septem- 
ber 7) Haslam left to obtain word from Governor Young, 
the work of death among the unfortunate victims had 
commenced. 

The Attack upon the Emigrant Train. — Early in 
September the emigrant train of the Arkansas and Missouri 
companies camped in the little valley known as the Mountain 
Meadows. There they contemplated remaining for several 
days. In the meantime their conduct had aroused the In- 
dian tribes who now surrounded their camp in hostile at- 
titude. As near as can be ascertained, on the morning of 
the 7th of September at the break of day, the attack upon 
the emigrants began. At the first volley seven men were 
killed and sixteen were wounded. The victims were taken 
unawares, but being well armed, fought bravely for their 
lives and were successful in repelling the attack. Several 
Indians were killed including two of their chiefs. The In- 
dians sent runners throughout the surrounding country call- 
ing for reinforcements from among their tribes, and for John 
D. Lee, who had been in close touch with Indian affairs as 
their farmer, to come and lead them to victory. Lee hurried 
to the scene from his home in Harmony, and seemed to par- 
take of the frenzy of the redmen. Later, other white men 
appeared upon the scene, having been lured to the meadows, 



516 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

with the request that their services were needed in burying 
the dead. Some of them remained, willingly or by coercion, 
to participate in the massacre which followed. 

The Surrender — Treachery of Their Captors. — Dur- 
ing the lull following the first attack, the emigrants formed 
their wagons in a ring and threw up breastworks for their 
protection, awaiting the onslaught which they knew was 
sure to come. Some time was spent by the Indians and 
their white allies discussing the fate of the unfortunate emi- 
grants. The victims discovered that white men were in 
league with the Indians, and this knowledge sealed their fate. 
It was determined by those making the attack that no emi- 
grant should live who could tell the tale. 

On the morning of Friday the 11th, Lee induced the 
emigrants to surrender under promise of protection and con- 
veyance to a place of safety. They were led to a place where 
the Indians were in ambush, and at a given signal a volley 
of shots rang out, both Indians and white men participating 
in the outrage. Seventeen children of tender years — rang- 
ing in age from' a few months to seven years — were all that 
were spared. These children were cared for by the settlers 
until the government by act of Congress returned them to 
their friends in Arkansas. 

A Bloody Oath. — The white men who engaged in 
this horrible slaughter entered into a league, by a strong and 
binding oath, that they would never reveal the part they 
played in this gruesome tragedy. A false report was for- 
warded to Governor Young. Lee also reported in person, 
laying the blame solely to the Indians. Governor Young 
wept bitterly and was horrified at the recital of the tale. 

The Execution of Lee. — For several years the facts 
relating to the tragedy were unknown, but gradually the 
truth leaked out and an investigation was made of the affair. 
John D. Lee was excommunicated from the Church with the 
injunction from President Young that under no circum- 
stances should he ever be admitted as a member again. Ac- 
tion was also taken against others as the truth became known. 



MOUNTAIN MEADOWS MASSACRE 517 

In later years Lee was convicted of the crime and paid the 
penalty with his life. His execution took place on the site 
of the horrid scene. Others who were implicated fled from 
the territory and died fugitives. While they thus evaded 
the justice which earthly tribunals might inflict, they still 
await the trial for their crime before a Higher Court where 
justice never fails. 



CHAPTER 45 

THE ARMY IN UTAH 
1858—1862 

Demoralizing Effects of the Army's Presence. — It 

was the part of wisdom for President Brigham Young and 
his associates to insist on the camp of the army being far 
removed from Salt Lake City. It was with reluctance that 
their commander complied with that request, which was 
enforced by the peace commissioners. Very little good came 
to the people of Utah from the presence in their midst, of an 
armed force, with all its attendant camp followers. It is true 
that the people benefited in a financial way. They were able 
to dispose of their products for ready cash and clothing ; but 
they could have managed to live — as they did before the 
army came — without these advantages, which, of course, they 
were ready to receive. 

There was no debauchery, no immorality or fear of 
thieves breaking in to steal, in the communities of the Lat- 
ter-day Saints, before the strangers to their faith came in. 
With the army all these attendant evils were introduced. 
The worst element with the army was, of course, the camp 
following — the freighters and hangers-on, who were not sub- 
ject to the rigid discipline of army regulation. Yet, much of 
the evil which resulted, can be traced to subordinate officers 
and men of the ranks. With many of these, moral rectitude 
was a thing unknown ; and woe to the foolish creatures who, 
like flies caught in a spider-web, were lured into camp. 

To add to the difficulties, many of the enlisted men filled 
their term of service and were discharged. Usually they 
were in possession of very little means, and if a balance of 
pay was due them, it was soon squandered. Such characters 
flocked to Salt Lake City and other towns, where they be- 
came a terror to the inhabitants. Because of this, it became 
necessary to increase the police force of Salt Lake City, at 
least four fold. Appeals were made to Governor Cumming 



THE ARMY IN UTAH 519 

to get him to use his influence to have the discharged men 
marched beyond the borders of the territory. The governor 
took the matter up with General Johnston, with the result 
that the condition was relieved in this respect to some small 
degree. However, the situation could not fully be controlled 
by these officers, and as long as Camp Floyd (later Critten- 
den) was occupied by the troops, demoralizing agencies were 
at work, and the people were constantly in a state of agita- 
tion. 

Governor Cumming's Report. — In reporting affairs 
in Utah to the Secretary of State, Governor Cumming made 
the following observations : 

"Persons unbiased by prejudice who have visited this 
Territory will, I think, agree in the opinion that a com- 
munity is seldom seen more marked by quiet and peaceable 
diligence than that of the Mormons. 

"After the passage of the army, hundreds of adventurers 
were attracted to these valleys, and met here some congenial 
spirits. Banded together for rapine and acts of violence, 
they have stolen large herds of horses and mules. Many of 
these men, maddened by intemperance, or rendered desper- 
ate by losses at the gaming table, or by various other causes, 
have shed each other's blood in frequent conflicts, and secret 
assassinations. These lawless and bloody deeds are commit- 
ted by them almost daily with impunity, and when their atro- 
city and frequency shock the public mind, it has become the 
custom with a certain set of people to exclaim against the 
people of Utah; but it is an injustice to impute the acts of 
these desperadoes to the community in general. With an 
equal show of justice might they be attributed to the inhab- 
itants of the States and Territories whence these men have 
so recently emigrated." 

The New Federal Officers. — Chief Justice Delano 
R. Eckels and the new secretary of the territory, John Hart- 
nett, arrived in Utah with the army. Jacob Forney, the 
superintendent of Indian affairs, arrived with the peace 
commissioners, and Judge Charles E. Sinclair and Attornev 
Alexander Wilson came near the end of Julv. The third 



520 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

judge, John Cradlebaugh, did not arrive until November. 
None of these officers were members of the Church. 

After he had taken the oath of office, Chief Justice 
Eckels took up his residence at Camp Floyd and Judge Sin- 
clair made his headquarters in Salt Lake City. Judge Cradle- 
baugh opened his court in Provo in March, 1859, although 
the seat of his district was Fillmore. 

"Progress of Civilization." — The majority of the 
government officials sent to Utah during territorial days 
came obsessed with the idea that the "Mormons" were an 
unpatriotic and ignorant class of people, bound by blind obe- 
dience to the will of a set of knaves who presided over them. 
When a new government appointee came to Utah, usually 
he felt it incumbent upon him to begin his labors with a lec- 
ture to the people on loyalty and morality, and advise them to 
cast off the yoke of ignorance which bound them. These 
would-be reformers at times gave expression to the thought 
that they had brought civilization among the "Mormons" 
and were endeavoring to reform them. At the time of the re- 
turn to the east in 1858, of one official — who had been no- 
toriously corrupt and immoral in his conduct while in Utah — 
a number of the civil and military officers and some non- 
"Mormon" merchants tendered him a dinner. In the course 
of their hilarity they expressed the satisfaction he would feel 
in joining his "family and friends in a moral and civilized 
community." 

Such expressions as this led President Brigham Young, 
who was a sorrowful witness of the scenes of debauchery 
and crime practiced by some of these "reformers," to say to 
another retiring official who was about to depart : "When you 
get back to the states, no doubt you will be asked many ques- 
tions about me. I wish you would tell them that I am here, 
watching the progress of civilization." 

That some of these individuals were sincere, there can be 
no question, and they should have credit for honest convic- 
tion. However it was impossible for them to see the situation 
from the "Mormon" viewpoint. They came with pre-con- 



THE ARMY IN UTAH 521 

ceived ideas regarding the doctrines and practices of the 
Latter-day Saints, and were greatly prejudiced against them. 
Their prejudice stood in their own light so that they took no 
trouble to investigate or try to understand. In most cases it 
was sufficient to know that the "Mormons" were a peculiar 
people with a strange belief, in conflict with the doctrines of 
other people. 

Many of these officers, however, were insincere. They 
were guilty of the very sins with which they accused the Lat- 
ter-day Saints, and yet they brazenly sat in judgment and 
condemned the Saints, while they, themselves, were guilty 
of revolting crimes. 

Attitude of the Judges. — Chief Justice Eckels was 
given to drunkenness and was grossly immoral ; yet he felt 
it his duty to advise that indictments be issued against the 
leaders of the Church for the practice of plural marriage. He 
did not know just how to handle the situation, for there were 
no statutes either in the territory or in the United States to 
punish such a thing. Therefore he attempted to place the 
matter under the old Mexican law which had no application 
in United States territory. 

Associate Justice Sinclair, who was usually drunk, com- 
menced his duties on the bench by charging the grand jury 
of his court, to indict ex-Governor Brigham Young, General 
Daniel H. Wells, and other "Mormon" leaders, for treason, 
on the ground that President Buchanan's pardon, "while a 
public act in the history of the country," yet it was a thing of 
which his court could not "take judicial cognizance." United 
States Attorney Alexander Wilson took a different view and 
so expressed himself at length before the grand jury in open 
court, stating "that there are now no acts of sedition, trea- 
son, or rebellion against the government of the United States 
in this territory." For that reason he would not present bills 
or bring action against any inhabitant of the territory on such 
a charge. 

Bitterness of Cradlebaugh.— Judge Cradlebaugh man- 
ifested a very bitter spirit against the leaders of the Church. 



522 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

When he opened court at Provo, he made a demand on Gen- 
eral Johnston for several companies of troops from Camp 
Floyd, and a detachment was furnished him. The reason the 
judge gave for this action was that the presence of the sol- 
diers was necessary to preserve the peace, and take care of 
the prisoners because there was no jail in Provo. The real 
reason was a desire to insult the people of the town and to 
intimidate witnesses before the court. Inside of two weeks 
there were about one thousand men in arms surrounding the 
court house. 

Protest of the Citizens. — Instead of keeping the 
peace, the presence of the troops was a menace to the peace 
of the town. Five hundred citizens righteously and vigor- 
ously protested against the insult in an address to the mayor 
and city council. They declared that their "feelings were 
aggrieved and outraged" by the appearance of a military 
force surrounding the court and infesting the halls of justice, 
and they considered it a "high handed outrage, a direct in- 
fringement upon the rights of American citizens and a gross 
violation of their liberties and municipal immunities." 

The judge was informed by the mayor and city council of 
the petition and was asked for the immediate removal of the 
troops beyond the city limits. It was declared that their 
presence made it very difficult for the officers of the city to 
preserve the peace. The judge refused to listen to the ap- 
peal. Later another vigorous protest was made by the city 
officials, who declared that soldiers had been caught breaking 
into houses; they had engaged in drunken street brawls and 
had otherwise disturbed the peace. However, Judge Cra- 
dlebaugh turned a deaf ear to all appeals. 

Governor Cumming's Proclamation. — Governor Cum- 
ming visited Provo in the month of March, and to him jui 
appeal was made by the mayor and council. The governor 
could see the situation for himself, and forwarded a com- 
munication to General Johnston requesting him to withdraw 
the troops. General Johnston refused to hearken to the re- 
quest of the governor, on the grounds that he was there to 



THE ARMY IN UTAH 523 

serve each of the coordinate branches of the territorial 
civil government, and was subject to the judicial as well 
as to the executive department. Upon this refusal of the 
commander of the troops, Governor Cumming issued a 
proclamation protesting against the presence of the mili- 
tary force which had been called to Provo without his 
sanction and contrary to the instructions given him by 
the government. Their presence, said the governor, had a 
tendency to terrify the inhabitants and disturb the peace. 
All future movements of the troops should be at his di- 
rection in accordance with his instructions from Washing- 
ton. 

Result of the Conflict. — The result of this conflict 
in authority was that Judge Cradlebaugh and his associate, 
Judge Sinclair, sent a communication to the attorney-gen- 
eral of the United States, Jeremiah S. Black, in relation 
to the matter. Other letters were sent by Judge Eckels to 
the secretary of state and by General Johnston to the secre- 
tary of war. The secretary of state wrote to Governor 
Cumming for the facts which were furnished. When the 
replies were received, the officious judges were rebuked 
and given to understand that the armed forces in the 
territory were subject to the command of the executive. 
Said the attorney general : "The governor is the supreme 
executive of the territory. He is responsible for the pub- 
lic peace. From the general law of the land, the nature of 
his office, and the instructions he received from the state 
department, it ought to have been understood that he 
alone had power to issue a requisition for the movement 
of troops from one part of the territory to another." He 
further stated that "the condition of things in Utah made 
it extremely desirable that the judges appointed for that 
territory should confine themselves strictly within their own 
official sphere," and leave accusations to the district at- 
torney, and arrests to the marshal, who was responsible for 
the safe-keeping of criminals. 

Attempt to Remove Governor Cumming. — The re- 



524 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

buke from Washington was naturally very displeasing to the 
judges, who were thus confined to the duties of their of- 
fice. In Camp Floyd there was manifestation of displeasure. 
A mass meeting was held and an address was issued in 
which the "Mormons" were accused of disloyalty and it 
was set forth that a great wrong had been done in forcing 
the withdrawal of the troops from the protection of the 
courts. The wrath of the disgruntled camp was also turned 
against Governor Cumming, and the attempt was made 
to have him removed from office. This might have been 
accomplished through the influence of General Johnston, 
had not Colonel Thomas L. Kane once more come to the 
rescue. 

Attack on President Young. — When Judge Cradle- 
baugh organized his court at Provo, he expressed his de- 
termination to investigate the Mountain Meadows mas- 
sacre and other crimes. This action would have been com- 
mendable if it had been taken with a desire to execute jus- 
tice, but it was a flagrant attempt to connect President 
Young and the leading Church authorities with the crime. 
He inferred that the guilty parties were among the lead- 
ers of the Church and should be brought to justice. Later, 
accompanied by a United States deputy marshal and a 
detachment of troops, he visited southern Utah and col- 
lected what evidence could be obtained respecting the 
Mountain Meadows massacre, leaving no stone unturned 
in the endeavor to implicate President Brigham Young 
and others, in which attempt he miserably failed. Neverthe- 
less, to the grand jury he said: "The very fact of such a 
case as that of the Mountain Meadows shows that there 
was some person high in the estimation of the people, and 
it was done by that authority; * * *' and unless you do 
your duty, such will be the view that will be taken of it. 
You can know no law but the laws of the United States 
and the laws you have here. No person can commit crimes 
and say they are authorized by higher authorities, and 



THE ARMY IN UTAH 525 

if they have any such notions they will have to dispel 
them." 

Cradjebaugh's Insult to the Jury. — As the grand 
jury failed to act with the promptness he thought they 
should, the judge dismissed them "as an evidently useless 
appendage of a court of justice." This unjustifiable attack' 
was resented by the grand jury in a written protest. 

In a spirit of anger the judge dismissed criminals who 
were before his court awaiting trial on grave charges, 
giving for his reason the following excuse: 

"When this people ('Mormons') come to their reason, 
and manifest a disposition to punish their own high of- 
fenders, it will be time to enforce the laws also for their 
protection. If this court cannot bring you to a proper sense 
of your duty, it can at least turn the savages in custody 
loose upon you." 

Attempt to Capture President Young. — Another at- 
tempt was made about this time to get President Young in 
the toils of the law on a groundless charge. It appears that 
a number of criminals at Camp Floyd plotted to rob the 
government. They hired a young engraver in Salt Lake City 
to duplicate the plate used by the quartermaster at Camp 
Floyd in drawing on the government at St. Louis and New 
York. The work was done, but the fraud was detected, and 
a man by the name of Brewer was arrested. He turned 
state's evidence and threw the responsibility for the deed 
upon the engraver who had been hired to do the work. As 
someone in the office of President Young had furnished 
the paper on which the counterfeit notes were printed, the 
army officers felt that they had a case against President 
Young, and manifested their great pleasure at the pros- 
pect of implicating him. The officers entered into a 
plot to secure his arrest. Thinking that an attempt to 
take him openly would meet with resistance, the army 
was to be ordered to Salt Lake City and the artillery was to 
make a breach in the wall surrounding his premises, 
through which they would enter to secure President Young 
a captive, and then carry him to Camp Floyd for trial. 



526 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY . 

Governor Cumming's Stand. — This plan was /pre- 
sented to Governor Cumming, who listened to the plotters 
and examined their papers. "They rubbed their hands," said 
the governor, "and were jubilant; they had got the dead 
wood on Brigham Young. I was indignant, sir, and told 

them, By , gentlemen, you can't do it! When you 

have a right to take Brigham Young, gentlemen, you shall 
have him without creeping through walls. You shall enter 
by his door with heads erect as becomes representatives of 
your government. But till that time, gentlemen, you can't 
touch Brigham Young." 

The plotters were greatly disappointed and returned 
to Camp Floyd threatening to act in opposition to the execu- 
tive. Because of these rumors, Governor Cumming ordered 
General Daniel H. Wells to be prepared with the militia to 
repel any such attack. It was a courageous thing for the 
governor to do in the face of the strong feeling of op- 
position existing at Camp Floyd against President Young. 

Departure of the Army. — As long as the army re- 
mained in Utah, such conditions prevailed. In February, 
1860, General Johnston departed from Camp Floyd to go 
to Washington. He went by way of California and the 
Isthmus of Panama. Shortly after, he was found leading 
an army of the South against an army of the North, in 
the war of the Rebellion, endeavoring to destroy the 
Union. In the battle of Shiloh he was killed while com- 
manding the Confederate forces. In 1861, Camp Floyd, 
then called Fort Crittenden, was abandoned. 

Retirement of Governor Cumming. — Governor Cum- 
ming departed from Utah in May, 1861, a short time be- 
fore his term of office expired, and returned to his old 
home in Georgia. His departure was much regretted, for 
he had served the people faithfully and well, discharging 
every obligation as he saw his duty, without fear or favor 
of men. The people certainly had good reason for re- 
gret, as his successors quite generally were men of a very 
different stamp. 



THE ARMY IN UTAH 527 

The "Mormon" People and the Rebellion. — The 

loyalty of the Latter-day Saints to the United States had 
frequently been questioned by their enemies and those un- 
acquainted with them. When the war of the Rebellion 
broke out, the Saints again manifested their loyalty to the 
Union. When the telegraph line across the continent was 
completed, in October, 1861, President Brigham Young was 
courteously tendered the privilege of sending the first mes- 
sage from Salt Lake City. It was to the president of the 
telegraph company, Mr. J. H. Wade, as follows: 

"Sir: Permit me to congratulate you upon the com- 
pletion of the Overland Telegraph Lines west to this city, 
to commend the energy displayed by yourself and associates 
in the rapid and successful prosecution of a work so bene- 
ficial; and to express the wish that its use may ever tend 
to promote the true interests of the dwellers upon both the 
Atlantic and Pacific slopes of our continent. 

"Utah has not seceded, but is firm for the Constitu- 
tion and laws of our once happy country, and is warmly in- 
terested in such useful enterprises as the one so far com- 
pleted." 

In making his reply, President Wade expressed 
gratitude to President Young, that his, the first message 
to pass over the line, "should express so unmistakably the 
patriotism and union-loving sentiments" of himself and 
people. 

In April, 1862, President Lincoln requested President 
Brigham Young to raise a force of cavalry to guard the 
overland route, which was promptly done. Before the re- 
quest came, the offer was made by President Young to 
protect that route. 

Moreover, while many states were endeavoring to get 
out of the Union, the "Mormons" were petitioning Con- 
gress to get in. This privilege of state government was 
denied them. The denial was very largely due to the hos- 
tile attitude of the new officials, Governor Stephen S. 
Harding, and two of the territorial judges, Charles B. 



528 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Waite and Thomas J. Drake, who were decidedly un- 
friendly to the people of the territory. 

Other reasons given were the general feeling of opposi- 
tion to the faith of the Latter-day Saints, — especially 
against the practice of plural marriage, and the belief, which 
still erroneously persisted, that they were disloyal, "An un- 
American condition of affairs was supposed to exist here," 
so writes Orson F. Whitney, "hostile to the Government 
and subversive of morality and civilization. Priestcraft, 
polygamy, and murder were thought to be the chief corner- 
stones of 'Mormonism.' A union of Church and State was 
alleged. It was charged that the 'Mormon' people were 
under the sway of an ecclesiastical despotism which 
'overshadowed and controlled their opinions, actions, prop- 
erty, and lives, penetrating and supervising social and busi- 
ness circles, and requiring implicit obedience to the coun- 
sel of the Church, as a duty paramount to all the obliga- 
tions of morality, society, allegiance and law.' " c 

^Whitney's Popular History of Utah — page 183. 






CHAPTER 46 

A PERIOD OF STRIFE AND BITTERNESS 

1862—1870 

The "Anti-Bigamy Law." — Instead of granting state- 
hood in answer to the petition of the people of Utah, Con- 
gress passed an "anti-bigamy law" in opposition to the prac- 
tice of plural marriage. It was presented to the house of 
representatives by Justin R. Morrill of Vermont, but was 
instigated by Governor Harding and Judges Waite and 
Drake. The bill — the first of the kind to be placed on the 
statutes — was signed by President Lincoln, July 8, 1862. 
It defined plural marriage as bigamy, and made the con- 
tracting of such a marriage punishable by a fine of five 
hundred dollars and imprisonment for a term of five years. 
This law was considered by many leading attorneys and 
others not "Mormons," as being unconstitutional. It was 
not enforced, President Lincoln's policy being to let the 
"Mormons" alone. Among the features which helped to 
make it inoperative was the provision, aimed at the Church, 
forbidding religious bodies in territories to hold real estate 
in value to exceed fifty thousand dollars. An effort was 
made by Governor Harding, in 1863, to have Brigham 
Young punished under this law. He was taken before Judge 
Kinney and placed under bonds, but the grand jury failed 
to take action and the case was dropped. 

Attempted Legislation Against the "Mormons." — The 
governor and two judges went even further in their de- 
sire to obtain legislation effecting the citizens of Utah. 
They entered into a conspiracy to have removed many 
powers vested in the loyal officers and place them under 
federal control. Among these changes they proposed that 
Congress limit the powers of the county courts to the pro- 
bating of wills, issuing titles of administration and guard- 
ianship; place in the hands of the United States marshal 
the power to summon jurors as he might think proper — 

35 



530 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

a thing that would have proved very disadvantageous to 
the Saints — and give the governor full power to appoint 
all the officers of the militia, and designate the days when 
the companies should drill. When this proposed legisla- 
tion was presented in Congress and it was learned who the 
authors were, it caused great indignation in Utah. A mass 
meeting was held and the guilty officials were asked to 
resign, which they refused to do. A petition was sent to 
Washington asking for their removal and for the appoint- 
ment of "good men in their stead." A counter petition was 
sent from the companies of California volunteers, who were 
stationed at the time in the valley. While the people did 
not get all they asked for, the governor was removed and 
James Duane Doty, superintendent of Indian affairs in the 
territory, and a much better man, was chosen in his place. 
The California Volunteers. — Very soon after the de- 
parture of Johnston's army, the people of Utah were in- 
flicted with the presence of other troops. These were 
volunteers from California and Nevada, about seven hun- 
dred strong, who were detained in Salt Lake City, as they 
were on their way to the East to take part in the Civil 
War. They were under the command of Colonel (later 
General) Patrick Edward Connor, who greatly desired to 
take active part in the war. He was a man whose loyalty 
to the United States was of the highest order. When he 
was commanded to stay in Utah, he was exceedingly dis- 
appointed. Secretary of War Edward Stanton — who was 
extremely distrustful of the ''Mormons" — stationed Colonel 
Connor at Salt Lake City ostensibly to guard the telegraph 
and mail route, but more particularly to watch the 
"Mormons." Connor- established his headquarters on the 
foothills east of Salt Lake City, naming the place Camp 
Douglas, in honor of Stephen A. Douglas. He was ex- 
tremely prejudiced against the Latter-day Saints, and lost 
no occasion to manifest his bitter feelings in public or in 
private; so obsessed was he that "no good thing could 
come out of Utah." Every word, every action of the 



A Period of strife 531 

"Mormons," was falsely interpreted ; and provocation given 
by him to antagonize the leaders of the Church whom he 
considered to be disloyal. 

The Union Vedette. — Under his direction an anti- 
"Mormon" paper edited by Captain Charles H. Hempstead 
was published at Camp Douglas and later in the city. It 
was called the Union Vedette, the mission of which was to 
fight "Mormonism." Connor also attempted to establish 
military rule instead of civil authority, thus depriving the 
citizens of their rights. 

Mining in Utah. — To Patrick E. Connor is given 
credit for starting the mining industry in Utah. His mo- 
tives, however, were not entirely commendable. If he is 
to be judged by his own words, his main purpose was not 
to "get gain" or to increase the circulation of the precious 
metals, but to cause an influx of "a large Gentile and loyal 
population sufficient by peaceful means and through the 
ballot-box to overwhelm the Mormons by mere force of 
numbers, and thus wrest from the Church — disloyal and 
traitorous to the core — the absolute and tyrannical control 
of temporal and civil affairs." 

He was acquainted with the fact that President Young 
had advised the Saints to develop the industries of agri- 
culture and establish needful factories that they might be 
self-sustaining, and leave mining alone for later considera- 
tion. This advice was very wise, for in the days of pioneer 
life, and when the commonwealth was young, it was neces- 
sary that the people be able to support themselves. They 
could not live on gold and silver, but they could on the 
products of the soil; and they could keep warm from the 
spinning of wool and the manufacture of cloth out of which 
to make their clothing. The advice of President Young was 
the advice which governed the Pilgrims when they landed 
on the shores of America; but it seemed to be very dis- 
tasteful and unpatriotic to men of little souls. All goods 
brought to the territory from abroad, before the advent of 
the railroad, had to be hauled by team upwards of a thou- 



532 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

sand miles, and with the constantly increasing population, 
all hands were needed to labor in producing what the peo- 
ple consumed. Even then, for a long time it was a difficult 
task, for several years were extremely lean due to the rav- 
ages of grasshoppers and crickets, and because of other ob- 
stacles unforeseen. 

If the Saints had run off to develop mines, they would 
have sealed their own doom in the days of their pioneering. 
Moreover, the experience of the past, in 1849 and subse- 
quently, when the California gold rush was on, taught 
them that the development of the mining industry would 
bring to the territory the rifraff and scum of humanity. 
This would mean the increase of crime and decrease of law 
and order. 

Why the Latter-day Saints Settled in Utah.— The 
Latter-day Saints came to the valleys of the mountains 
primarily to worship the Lord and to keep his command- 
ments ; also to develop a peaceful commonwealth where 
others of their faith might be gathered to enjoy the fruits 
of their labors without molestation. 

The False Attitude of General Connor. — The attitude 
of General Connor, and all who agreed with him, was 
basely false. Brigham Young was not opposed to the de- 
velopment of mines, but he was farsighted enough to un- 
derstand — which many of his petty critics could not un- 
derstand — that there were other duties more important 
and substantial, which held precedence, at least in the lives 
of the Latter-day Saints, in the development of the terri- 
tory. It should be said to the credit of General Patrick 
E. Connor, who manifested so much bitterness in the early 
sixties, that after remaining in Utah for several years, his 
feelings towards the "Mormon" people greatly softened. 
When it did become possible for a ray of light and truth to 
penetrate his prejudices, he discovered that the Latter-day 
Saints were not such disloyal citizens after all. 

Inspiration of Brigham Young. — President Brigham 
Young was a practical man by nature, but, aided by the 



A. PERIOD OF STRIFE 533 

inspiration of the Spirit of the Lord, his wisdom in the 
establishment of cities, villages, and industries, was far be- 
yond his human possibilities. On many an occasion when 
the settlers of a selected site had chosen the low lands 
near the center of the valleys, he instructed them to move 
higher up near the foothills ; and at times against their 
judgment settlers were advised to move to less favorable 
looking land than that which they had chosen. Time has 
proved that their leader was possessed of the inspiration 
which he was entitled to receive. 

Home Industries. — From the very beginning of Utah's 
history, President Young taught the people the necessity 
of establishing home industries and becoming self support- 
ing. Tn these various ventures, he invariably took the 
lead. In the very earliest times, he advocated the cultiva- 
tion of cotton in the "Dixie" land; the building of mills 
and factories; the harnessing of the mountain streams for 
power ; and the development of the natural resources of the 
country which would be of material benefit to the peo- 
ple. His discourses were not confined to spiritual themes, 
but were ofttimes devoted to the building of roads and 
fences, the cultivation of the soil, the planting of vineyards 
and orchards, the raising of sheep and cattle, and all 
other useful things which would tend to encourage the 
members of the Church in obtaining temporal blessings, 
that they might live in comfort and prosperity. Had the 
people always followed his advice, it would have been 
better for them. 

Plotters Against the Peace. — Due to the malicious 
activities of many territorial officials, and the constant de- 
sire on the part of others not of the Church who came to 
Utah, to "civilize" and "reform" the Latter-day Saints, 
feelings of unfriendliness existed between members of the 
Church and "outsiders." The continued attacks made by 
General Connor and Captain Hempstead, the editor of the 
Union Vedette, upon the Church and its authorities, had a 
tendency to increase this feeling. During, and after the 



534 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

close of the Civil War, Utah was infested with a set of 
characters who seemed determined to make trouble. The 
"Gentile" population at that time was about three hundred, 
the majority of whom were honorable citizens, but among 
them were to be found many bitter enemies of the 
Church, bent upon its destruction. Some of the latter had 
gone into business hoping to receive the patronage of the 
Latter-day Saints, but at the same time they were plotting 
against the Church, which they bitterly hated. 

The Killing of Brassfield. — To add to the unfortunate 
condition which divided the people, there occurred in Salt 
Lake City, in 1866, two shocking murders. The first of 
these was the killing of S. Newton Brassfield, a freighter, 
who came to Utah from Nevada. He induced a plural 
wife to forsake her husband while the husband was in the 
mission field. Brassfield then married the woman, the 
ceremony being performed by Judge Solomon P. McCurdy 
of the Supreme Court of Utah. It was stated on good au- 
thority that Brassfield had deserted his wife and family 
before he came to Utah. This charge was denied by some 
of his defenders but strongly affirmed by individuals who 
claimed to speak from personal knowledge. One evening 
in April, as he was entering his boarding house, he was 
shot and killed by some person who made his escape in the 
dark and was never discovered. 

The Robinson Murder. — The second killing was that 
of Dr. J. King Robinson who was decoyed from his home, 
one night in October, under the pretext that his profes- 
sional services were needed. A short distance from his 
home he was set upon by a band of ruffians and severely 
beaten and then killed. The motive for the crime remains 
a mystery. Dr. Robinson had been in controversy with 
the city corporation over property, but the matter had been 
settled by the supreme court of Utah in favor of the city 
and could not have been the basis for the murder. It is 
presumed by some that his assailants did not intend to 
take his life, but merely administer to him a severe beat- 



A PERIOD OF STRIFE 535 

ing for some personal or fancied wrong; but being 
recognized, they determined on killing him for their pro- 
tection. 

According to the custom of the times, the attempt was 
made to fasten the responsibility for these murders upon 
the authorities of the Church. Such accusations were 
openly made by prominent attorneys at the investigation 
of the Robinson murder. Naturally President Young was 
indignant, and challenged his traducers to produce their 
proof. He was ready to go to court, be examined, and 
have the most thorough investigation made that the coun- 
try could furnish. He denounced the crime as on a par 
with the killing of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the Haun's 
Mill massacre and the tragedy at Mountain Meadows. Re- 
wards were offered for the arrest, by the city, the county, 
and by private subscription, amounting to the sum of nine 
thousand dollars. President Young headed the list with 
five hundred dollars. When the effort failed to connect 
the authorities of the Church with the crime, the ardor of 
some who had been most insistent that the guilty parties 
be punished, cooled considerably and they lost interest in 
the case. 

General Sherman to Brigham Young. — Following the 
Brassfield killing, reports were sent out through the 
country blaming the homicide on the "Mormon" people. 
General William T. Sherman, then stationed at St. Louis, 
wired President Brigham Young stating that "responsible 
officers" had informed him that four "Gentiles" had been 
murdered by "Mormons." As Utah was under his mili- 
tary jurisdiction, he declared that he was bound to give 
protection to all citizens and murders must be punished and 
wrongs avenged, if "committed against any American 
citizens even in remote Utah." 

President Young's Answer. — In replying to General 
Sherman's telegram, President Young thanked him for 
the opportunity of presenting the facts. He said, dis- 
patches sent from Utah to the East were not reliable ; there 



536 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

had been no such assassinations as the General had been 
led to believe. "On May 17, a soldier shot a gentleman 
named Mayfield, and a Mr. Brassfield came home and 
seduced a Mormon's wife, and was shot on the street by 
some unknown person; but neither I nor the community 
at large knew any more about it than an inhabitant of St. 
Louis. Citizens who are not of our faith do not suffer 
from intimidation here. In no other communities could 
men pursue the course many do here without experiencing 
the vengeance of a vigilance committee." President Young 
closed his telegram as follows : "There are a few specula- 
tors here who are anxious to make it appear that Ameri- 
can citizens' lives are in danger through religious fanati- 
cism, hoping thereby to have troops sent here to make money 
out of contracts. Gentiles' lives are as safe here as 
'Mormons' and acts of violence occur more rarely ir this 
city than any other of its size in any of the new States or 
Territories." 

Citizens of Utah to General Sherman. — Another tele- 
gram was sent by prominent "Gentile" citizens of Utah, 
confirming the telegram of President Young. Among the 
signers were some of the leading business men and of- 
ficers from Camp Douglas. General Sherman replied to 
President Young as follows: "Sir: — Your dispatch is 
received and I am much gratified at its substance and 
spirit." 

A Proposed "Gentile" Exodus.— Due to the bitterness 
existing in Utah, President Brigham Young counseled the 
"Mormon" people not to patronize business institutions 
which were run by the enemies of the people. This was 
as a matter of self-defence and preservation. The result 
of this counsel was that a communication from "Gen- 
tile" merchants and addressed to the Church authorities, 
was received in which they agreed to leave the territory 
on certain conditions. Their conditions were as follows': 
The Church would guarantee the payment of their outstand- 
ing accounts owing to them by the members of the Church 



A PERIOD OF STRIFE 537 

and the purchase of their merchandise, chatties, houses, im- 
provements, etc., at a cash valuation, after a deduction of 
twenty-five per cent had been made from the total amount. 
"To the fulfilment of the above," said they, "we hold 
ourselves ready at any time, to enter into negotiations, and 
on final arrangement being made and terms of sale com- 
plied with, we shall freely leave the Territory." 

President Young Answers the Merchants. — In a 
signed communication dated Dec. 21, 1866, President Young 
declined to entertain their offer. He kindly pointed out 
to them that if they could secure such sales, they would 
make more money than merchants had ever made before, 
and perhaps "Mormon" merchants would like to sell out 
on the same kind of terms. They were at liberty to re- 
main or go, just as they pleased; no intimidation or 
coercion had been used in the community to have them 
stop trading with any class, and no man had been os- 
tracised because he was not of the "Mormon" faith. Every 
man who had dealt fairly and honestly, and confined his 
attention to his legitimate business, whatever his creed, 
had found friendship among the Latter-day Saints. "To be 
adverse to Gentiles, or Jews, because they are Jews," said 
President Young, "is in direct opposition to the genius of 
our religion. It matters not what a man's creed is * * * 
he will receive kindness and friendship from us, and we 
have not the least objection to doing business with him; 
if in his dealings he acts in accordance with the principles 
of right and deport himself as a good, law-abiding citizen 
should." 

Attention was called to the fact that there were those 
doing business in the territory who for years had been 
the avowed enemies of the community. The disrupture 
and overthrow of the Church had been the object of their 
labors. "Missionaries of evil, there have been no arts too 
base, no stratagems too vile for them to use to bring 
about their nefarious ends," said President Young, While 
soliciting the patronage of the people, frgrn w^om they 



538 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

drew their support, they had used their means thus de- 
rived "in the most shameless and abandoned manner," to 
destroy the very people whose favor they found it to their 
interest to court. They had "fostered vice and vicious 
institutions to oppose the unanimously expressed will of 
the people, to increase disorder, and to change the city 
from a condition of peace and quietude to lawless anarchy." 
The question was asked what claims such persons could 
have upon the patronage of the community, and what 
community on the earth "would be so besotted as to up- 
hold and foster men whose aim is to destroy them." In 
closing his epistle, President Young declared: "It is to 
oppose these men whom I have described, and to these 
alone that I am opposed, and I am determined to use my 
influence to have the citizens here stop dealing with them 
and deal with honorable men." 

Two days later in a discourse before the Saints, 
President Young said: "We advise you to pass by the 
shops and stores of your enemies and let them alone, but 
give your means into the hands of men who are honest 
men, honorable men, and upright men — men who will 
deal justly and truly with all. Shall we deal with the 
Jew? Yes. With those who call themselves Gentiles? 
Certainly. We calculate to continue to deal with them." 



°The Gentile merchants were scarcely complimentary to the 
intelligence of President Young when they made this proposition 
to withdraw from the Territory o.n the conditions named by them. 
If the Gentile claim that there was utter incompatibility between 
Mormon and non-Mormon in Utah could have been emphasized 
by a spectacular exodus of Gentile merchants from Utah, how- 
ever brought about, it doubtless would have given occasion for 
another Utah expedition to the Territory or such other military 
display as would have inured to the benefit of speculators, con- 
tractors, and merchants, or to the long-hoped-for further pre- 
scription of the Latter-day Saints. Surely the Gentile merchants 
should have known if their action had such motive as this, that 
Brigham Young would have detected it; and if not, if their pro- 
posed exodus was honest and meant only that they intended to 
withdraw from an unpleasant situation, to end merely in their 
personal advantage, then they should have known that Brigham 
Ypwng would know that the people of the United States would 






A PERIOD OF STRIFE 539 

Building of the Tabernacle. — In 1867 the Salt Lake 
Tabernacle which was begun in 1863, was completed, It is 
one of the most remarkable buildings in the world. The 
building is eliptical in shape and is one hundred and fifty 
feet wide and two hundred and fifty feet in length. The 
roof is a self-supporting wooden structure, which was 
originally fastened together without nails, wooden pins 
and rawhide being used in lieu thereof. It rests upon 
buttresses of red sandstone set about twelve feet apart. The 
acoustic powers are marvelous. The building also con- 
tains a pipe organ which was the largest in the world, when 
built. The organ was originally the work of Joseph Ridges, 
of Salt Lake City, and was made out of native timber. 
Since the time of its construction it has been remodeled 
and kept in constant repair. 

The October Conference 1867.— The October Confer- 
ence of the Church in 1867, was held in the new Taber- 
nacle which was nearing completion. On this occasion 
one hundred and sixty-three persons were called to go and 
strengthen the settlements in southern Utah, and the Saints 
were called on to assist in the gathering of the poor from 
Great Britain and other foreign lands. Elder Joseph F. 
Smith, son of Patriarch Hyrum Smith, was called to fill 
a vacancy in the council of the twelve, caused by the 
apostasy of Amasa M. Lyman. 

The Deseret Telegraph. — At a special conference of 
the Church held April 10, 1865, it was agreed to build a 
telegraph line throughout the settlements in Utah. The 
members of the Church were called upon to assist in this 
worthy undertaking. Between the years 1865 and 1867, 
five hundred miles of line were constructed at a cost of one 
hundred and fifty dollars per mile. This placed the prin- 

read into the facts of the exodus all the evidence they would 
need of the alleged incompatibility, to justify, from their view- 
point, all the coercive measures against the Mormon community 
for which their enemies were clamoring. Brigham Young cmjI'J 
not fail to apprehend the danger, and accordingly avoid it. ("His- 
tory of the Mormon Church," Ch. 106, p. 464, B. H. Roberts), 



540 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



cipal settlements of the territory in ready communication 
with Salt Lake City. Towns in Idaho and Nevada were also 
reached. By means of this telegraph line, the authorities 
of the Church — for it was a Church enterprise — were able 
to facilitate their business and save many miles of weary 
travel and great expense, in the forwarding of instructions 
to the people. This line remained under the control of 
the Church until 1900, when it was merged into the Western 
Union System. 

Death of President Heber C. Kimball. — President 
Heber C. Kimball, first counselor to President Brigham 
Young, died in Salt Lake City, June 22, 1868, He was 
one of the original members called into the council of the 
twelve, and the "father" of the British Mission. Presi- 
dent Kimball was greatly blessed with the spirit of prophecy ; 
was bold and fearless, and never faltered in his integrity 
to the truth. 

At the general conference in October, George A. Smith 

of the council of the 
twelve, and cousin of the 
Prophet Joseph and Pa- 
triarch Hyrum Smith, was 
chosen and sustained to 
fill the vacancy in the First 
Presidency. Brigham 
Young Jr., was sustained 
as one of the apostles, suc- 
ceeding Elder Smith in 
that body. 

The Coming of the 
Railroad. — Another great 
change in Utah was 
brought to pass in the com- 
pletion of the trans-con- 
tinental railway. The rail- 
road, together with the tel- 
egraph which spanned 




GEORGE A. SMITH 



A PERIOD OF STRIFE 541 

the country from sea to sea, brought the people o^ 
the territory in closer communication with the out- 
side world. Isolation of the people of the Great 
Basin was now a thing of the past. Under the direction 
of President Young, much of the grading, especially from 
Echo Canyon to Ogden, the most difficult part of the way, 
was done by members of the Church. The last spike uniting 
the East and the West with bands of steel, was driven at 
the junction of. the two roads — the Central Pacific and the 
Union Pacific — at Promontory, Utah, May 10, 1869. There 
was assembled on that occasion a great concourse of peo- 
ple, numbering eleven hundred souls. The officials of 
both roads, and many leading men, including newspaper 
representatives from all parts of the country, had come by 
train from East and West to witness this wonderful epoch 
in our American history. 

The Utah Local Lines. — The trans-continental rail- 
ways passed through Ogden. When it was contemplated 
that Salt Lake City would not be on the line, President 
Young remarked: "If the company which first arrives 
should deem it to their advantage to leave us out in the cold, 
we will not be so far off, but we can have a branch line 
for the advantage of this city." The same day that the 
Union Pacific road finished laying rails in Ogden there 
was organized in Salt Lake City, the Utah Central Rail- 
way. This road and subsequently other local roads in 
Utah, were promoted by President Young and other mem- 
bers of the Church. In May, 1869, ground was broken, 
President Young removing the first earth, and the last 
spike on this road between Salt Lake City and Ogden was 
driven January 10, 1870. The Utah Central Railway con 
nected Salt Lake City with the outside world, and proved to 
all people, that there was no desire on the part of the Lat- 
ter-day Saints to be exclusive and isolated from their fel- 
lowmen. No longer were immigrants to come by hand- 
cart and ox-team. 

Proposed Anti-"Mormon" Legislation. — The unfavor- 



542 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

able attitude of certain merchants and others towards the 
Church naturally resulted in a movement for self-protec- 
tion. The coming of the railroad was looked upon by the 
enemies of the Latter-day Saints as a means by which the 
"redemption" of the territory from "Mormon" dominion 
was to be brought to pass. They declared with a feeling of 
delight that when Utah was connected with the outside 
world by rail, there would come such an influx of "Gen- 
tiles" that the "Mormon" population would be overwhelmed. 
There were many open threats, and that too, by officials, 
that when that time should come there would be instituted 
a crusade against the members of the Church to deprive 
them of their liberties. The Saints were wrongfully ac- 
cused of being opposed to the coming of the railroad be- 
cause they feared such a result. The fact, however, was that 
President Young and the presiding brethren did all in their 
power to have the road pass through Salt Lake City rather 
than Ogden. Mass meetings were held and every endeavor 
made to accomplish this purpose, and when it failed, Presi- 
dent Young headed a movement, as stated, to make con- 
nection by building a railroad from Salt Lake City to 
Ogden. 

The Wade and Cragin Bills. — Nor did these individ- 
uals who opposed the Church wait for the coming of the 
railroad to commence their determined effort to deprive 
the people of their inherent rights. Appeals were made to 
Congress, and bills, having their origin within the territory, 
were presented intended to curtail the liberties of the peo- 
ple. In 1866 a measure was presented, known as the Wade 
Bill, providing for the destruction of local government in 
the territory. This was followed by the Cragin Bill in 
1869, following the same lines, but still more drastic. The 
intent of these measures was to place in the hands of the 
governor the sole power to appoint and commission all the 
local officers in the territory, and remove the people from 
a voice in government. All juries, grand and petit, were 
to be selected by the United States marshal. For a 



A PERIOD OF STRIFE 543 

"Mormon" minister to solemnize a marriage was to be a 
criminal act, the property of the Church, excepting twenty 
thousand dollars, was to be taxed, and the Church be de- 
nied from making rules and regulations respecting fellow- 
ship of its members. The governor of the territory was 
to become the financial head of the Church, though not 
a member, and the trustee-in-trust, under heavy penalty of 
fine and imprisonment, was required to make full and 
complete and annual reports to that individual accounting 
for "all Church properties, moneys in banks, notes, deposits 
with the Church," etc. All this, and more, was contem- 
plated in free America where "life, liberty and the pursuit 
of happiness" are guaranteed as inalienable rights. 

The Cullom Bill. — A few days later another bill just 
as radical in its features was presented in Congress by 
Shelby M. Cullom, of Illinois, and was substituted for the 
Cragin Bill by consent of Mr. Cragin. This measure was 
prepared by Robert N. Baskin of Salt Lake City, one of 
the most bitter and inconsiderate enemies ever arrayed 
against the Church. Fortunately for the Latter-day Saints, 
none of these measures were at the time enacted into law. 

Co-operation for Defense. — The attitude of local anti- 
"Mormons," coupled with the proposed unfavorable and 
inhuman legislation, naturally drove the members of the 
Church closer together. It was proposed in self-protec- 
tion that there be organized throughout the various set- 
tlements a chain of co-operative stores, and that the peo- 
ple trade with each other rather than with their enemies. 
And if the proposed threats were to be fulfilled, the enemies 
of the Church who came to Utah to do business would have 
to bring their customers with them, for the Saints would 
not patronize them. Based upon this proposition a parent 
institution was established in Salt Lake City, in which all 
the "Mormon" people were invited to take stock. This 
commercial house, known as Zion's Co-operative Mercan- 
tile Institution, opened its doors for business in 1869, and 
the following year was incorporated. In a circular an- 



544 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

nouncing their intentions it was stated by the brethren that 
they were "convinced of the impolicy of leaving the trade 
and commerce of the territory to the conduct of strangers," 
and therefore "it was advisable that the people of Utah 
should become their own merchants" and "unite in a sys- 
tem of co-operation for the transaction of their own busi- 
ness." In this way there could be a consolidation of the 
mercantile stores in which all the people might be interested, 
and receive their merchandise based on a small margin of 
profit. Branches were established in nearly every settle- 
ment and were beneficial to the people while that condition 
lasted. 

A Change of Feeling. — Fortunately there has been 
a change of feeling in the land and the necessity for such 
a movement has departed. However, while the full 
object of the co-operative movement was not accom- 
plished it was a factor for the leveling of prices 
and the destruction of what has been spoken of so 
commonly in later years — the "profiteer." Before the ad- 
vent of this great institution there were merchants in the 
land who endeavored from time to time to "corner the 
market" on certain necessities, and then charge exorbitant 
prices for their goods. This, of course, could not be ac- 
complished when a large institution, established in the in- 
terests of the people, endeavored to protect their interests. 
The principle of co-operation, no matter where applied, is 
right, and should be encouraged; but many of these local 
institutions passed out of existence through the lack of in- 
terest on the part of many of the people, who disposed of 
their stock to other and more enterprising individuals, until 
the system was destroyed. 6 

Protest of "Mormon" Women Against Legislation- 
's early as 1864 a co-operative movement was inaugurated in 
Brigham City by Elder Lorenzo Snow. It was attended with 
success and grew into a flourishing institution which existed for 
a number of years. Other ventures preceding the establishment 
of Z. C. M. I. — as the great parent institution is generally called — 
were established at Lehi, American Fork and other towns, in 1 Q 68. 



A PERIOD OF STRIFE 545 

Early in January, 1870, a number of meetings were held 
by the women in various communities in protest against 
the pending legislation (the Cragin and Cullom bills) in 
Congress affecting "Mormonism." On the 13th of the month 
a mass meeting of several thousand "Mormon" women was 
held in the tabernacle. Great enthusiasm pervaded the 
gathering. While they opposed all the features of the anti- 
"Mormon" legislation, their action was principally in protest 
against the measures, and the remarks of would-be reform- 
ers, in which the women of the Church were spoken of as 
being "down-trodden" and "degraded" by their husband- 
oppressors. Sarah M. Kimball, president of the Relief So- 
ciety of the Fifteenth Ward, presided at the meeting. Stat- 
ing the object of the gathering she said; "We are not here 
to advocate woman's rights, but man's rights. The bill in 
question would not only deprive our fathers, husbands and 
brothers of the privilege bequeathed to citizens of the United 
States, but it would also deprive us, as women, of the 
privilege of selecting our husbands, and against this we un- 
qualifiedly protest." Similar remarks of protest were made 
by several prominent women and a set of resolutions were 
unanimously and enthusiastically adopted; among them the 
following : 

"Resolved, That we, the ladies of Salt Lake City, in 
mass-meeting assembled, do manifest our indignation, and 
protest against the bill before Congress, known as 'the Cul- 
lom Bill/ also the one known as 'the Cragin Bill,' and all 
similar bills, expressions and manifestoes. 

"Resolved, That we consider the above named bills 
foul blots on our national escutcheon — absurd documents 
— atrocious insults to the honorable executive of the United 
States Government, and malicious attempts to subvert the 
right of civil and religious liberty. * * * 

"Resolved, That we acknowledge the institutions of the 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the only re- 
liable safeguard of female virtue and innocence; and the 
only sure protection against the fearful sin of prostitution, 
and its attendant evils, now prevalent abroad, and as such, 

36 



S46 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

we are and shall be united with our brethren in sustaining 
them against each and every encroachment." 

Many other meetings of this nature were held in other 
settlements in protest against the passage of these bills, 
which caused great surprise and astonishment throughout 
the nation. 

Woman Suffrage. — According to the doctrines of the 
Church, woman has always been granted the privilege of 
a voice in the affairs of the organization. All matters of 
importance as well as the sustaining" of the various officers, 
are regularly presented to the membership — women and men 
alike — for their suffrage, or vote. The Church gave to its 
women the first exclusively woman's organization in all 
the world; and it was representatives of this organization 
in mass-meeting assembled, who entered their vigorous pro- 
test against the pending legislation which was intended 
to affect them seriously in their lives. 

Within about one month from the time of this meeting 
of protest, the legislature of Utah passed an act grant- 
ing to the women of the territory the right of franchise 
which became a law by the approval of Acting Governor S. 
A. Mann. Such privileges granted to the women had pre- 
viously been proposed by those opposed to "Mormonism," 
who thought that the women were oppressed and this would 
be a means of redeeming them from "the galling yoke" 
under which they were "oppressed." 

"The New Movement." — In the fall of 1869 a num- 
ber of prominent elders were excommunicated for apos- 
tasy, by the high council of the Salt Lake Stake. Among 
the number were William S. Godbe, Elias L. T. Harrison, 
Eli B. Kelsey, and later Henry W. Lawrence, Thomas B. 
H. Stenhouse and others. Mr. Godbe was a merchant, and 
a prominent member of one of the quorums of Seventy as 
was also Mr. Harrison, whose business was that of an 
architect. Eli B. Kelsey had performed good and faithful 
service in the mission field abroad, until through immoral 



A PERIOD OF STRIFE 547 

transgression he lost the spirit of the work. These men had 
become disaffected for various causes and now opposed 
many of the policies of President Young. They accused 
him of trying to set up in the Church a "Young dynasty," 
and of being guilty of "one man power," and they rebelled 
against his teaching regarding the opening of the mines and 
the establishment of mercantile institutions. Mr. Harrison, 
a gifted writer, had been editing the Utah Magazine which 
now became the organ of the disaffected brethren. These 
men still claimed to believe in much of "Mormonism" but 
centered their attack on President Young, publishing 
articles reflecting upon him by comparison and inuendo. 
At first they declared they would set up an organization of 
their own — a new Church — retaining all the good features 
of "Mormonism" and discarding all that were bad. A pre- 
siding officer and apostles were to be chosen, and the 
Church was to be "redeemed" from the sad condition into 
which these disaffected persons claimed it had fallen. This 
attempt at "reformation" is known in history as "the New 
Movement," or the "Godbeite Movement," because of the 
prominent part William S. Godbe played in it; but they 
called it "The Church of Zion." For a time they held 
meetings in the Thirteenth Ward, by permission of Presi- 
dent Young; but the organization which was without a 
head, and as Elder Whitney says, "with very little body," 
soon passed away. 

Organization of the Liberal Party. — Desiring some 
organization in which "Mormonism" might be opposed, 
these excommunicated members joined with the anti- 
" Mormons" of the territory in the formation of a political 
party, the object of which was to fight the Church. "The 
Liberal Political Party," as it was called, was organized 
in February, 1870. From that time forth until the organiza- 
tion was dissolved in the nineties, it carried on an un- 
scrupulous warfare against the Church. Those who con- 
trolled its destiny were guilty of the most* bitter and re- 
lentless actions that could be imagined. Misrepresentation, 



548 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

falsehood and deceit were the chief weapons of attack; 
and by such methods the name of the Church was maligned 
and its officers placed in a false light before the world. The 
history of this political organization is almost without a 
parallel, at least nothing like it has ever occurred elsewhere 
in free republican America; only as it has been produced 
by those opposed to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- 
day Saints in these valleys of the mountains. Nothing like 
it would be tolerated anywhere else in all the world. 

The Salt Lake Tribune. — In January, 1870, the "God- 
beites" commenced publishing a paper which they called 
the Mormon Tribune; it was the Utah Magazine, trans- 
formed, and was published in the in erest of their move- 
ment. Dropping the word "Mormon" it became the organ 
of the Liberal Party, and the following year passed into 
other hands more vicious. "Its only principle, apparently, 
was hatred of everything Mormon," writes Historian Whit- 
ney, "in pursuance of which it spared neither age, sex nor 
condition; emptying the vials of its venom upon all who 
dared to differ from it, misrepresenting their motives, as- 
sailing their characters, and libeling and lampooning both 
the living and the dead. Its columns were not only filled 
habitually with falsehood, but often with vulgar and ob- 
scene scandals. Many who helped to sustain the paper 
either from sympathy with its assaults upon Mormonism, 
or from fear of being abused by it and called 'Jack-Mor- 
mons' if they withheld their support, were careful to have 
it delivered at their down-town offices, and would not have 
it in their homes for their wives and daughters to read, so 
filthy at times were its contents. The Nauvoo Expositor was 
holy writ compared with the Salt Lake Tribune. It had 
been justly said of this sheet that it was "brought into the 
world to lie and was true to its mission." 

^History of Utah Vol. 2:380-1. 



CHAPTER 47 

THE MISSION OF GOVERNOR SHAFFER AND 

JUDGE McKEAN 

1870—1877 

Governor Shaffer. — Following the removal of Gov- 
ernor Harding in 1863, Utah was blessed for a time with 
the presence of governors who were inclined to attend 
to the duties of their office without much interference with 
"Mormonism." Governors James Duane Doty and Charles 
Durkee had held the office and S. A. Mann, secretary of 
the territory, served as acting governor following the resig- 
nation of Governor Durkee in 1869, until the appointee of 
President Ulysses S. Grant arrived in the territory in the 
spring of 1870. This was J. Wilson Shaffer of Illinois. 
who proved to be the most bitter and bigoted anti-"Mormon" 
governor Utah ever had. He was in his forty-third year 
when he came to Utah, and was suffering from consump- 
tion, contracted while serving in the Civil War. He was 
a man of determined will, and evidently was sincere in his 
conviction that the "Mormons" were more than "rebels," 
who needed the drastic treatment which by some was con- 
sidered proper and necessary treatment for the South, dur- 
ing the days of reconstruction. He came to Utah with a 
bias against the Latter-day Saints which nothing short of a 

miracle could remove. "Never after me, by ," said he, 

"shall it be said Brigham Young is governor of Utah." 
In this expression he displayed his ignorance of the condi- 
tions in Utah — a mistake made by many others — that be- 
cause the Latter-day Saints hearkened to the counsels of 
President Young who, as their inspired leader, directed 
them as members of the Church, he was usurping the pre- 
rogatives of the executive. If these men had been broad 
enough they might have seen that President Young re- 
spected the civil authority at all times, even when sorely 



550 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

abused and tried by the petty acts of presumptuous and 
bigoted officials, who did all in their power to annoy and 
humiliate him before the people. 

Removal of Secretary Mann and Judge Wilson. — The 
anger of Governor Shaffer was kindled against Secretary 
Mann because he, as acting governor, signed the woman suf- 
frage bill and endeavored to show some just consideration 
for the majority of the people. Likewise he displayed feelings 
of resentment against Chief Justice Charles A. Wilson be- 
cause he would not subvert the law in favor of the anti- 
"Mormon" "ring" to the disadvantage of the people. Wilson 
was accused of exercising too much leniency towards the 
"Mormons," so he, like Secretary Mann, was removed 
through the influence of the governor. 

The Coming of Judge McKean. — To succeed the de- 
posed officials, Vernon H. Vaughan w&s sent to Utah as 
secretary of the territory and Judge James B. McKean to be 
chief justice. O. F. Strickland' and C. M. Hawley were also 
appointed associate justices to fill vacancies which existed". 
Judge McKean, like Governor Shaffer, was a relentless anti- 
"Mormon," bigoted and narrow. He came to Utah with a 
"mission," said he, "as high above my mere duty as a judge, 
as the heaven is above the earth." That "mission" was the 
overthrow of "Mormonism." However, Judge McKean is 
gone, and "Mormonism" still survives and prospers. 

Influence on Schuyler Colfax and Rev. Newman. — 
The appointment of these bigoted and narrow-souled offi- 
cials was largely due to the influence of Vice-President 
Schuyler Colfax and Rev. John P. Newman. The former 
had visited Utah on two occasions ; first in 1865, when he 
was speaker of the house of representatives, and' again in 
1869, when he was holding the office of vice-president in 
the administration of U. S. Grant. He was associated with 
an organized "ring" of anti-"Mormon" agita'ors and politi- 
cians, who were bent on the destruction of "Mormon" do- 
minion in Utah. On each visit he had shown marked op- 



GOVERNOR SHAFFER AND JUDGE McKEAN 551 

position to the Church. Rev. Newman was President 
Grant's minister, and was also chaplain of the United 
States Senate. 

Governor Shaffer and the Militia. — By act of the Utah 
Legislature in 1852, the militia, under the title of the 
"Nauvoo Legion," met in annual muster. In keeping with 
the law, Lieutenant General Daniel H. Wells issued an 
order August 16,1870, calling for a three days' muster, for 
the purpose of inspection, drill and camp duty. Governor 
Shaffer was absent from the territory at the time, but as 
soon as he returned he issued a counter order forbidding any 
muster, or drill, or gathering of any military organization 
within the territory, except upon his orders. He also illegal- 
ly appointed Patrick E. Connor major general of the militia, 
and William N. Johns, colonel and assistant adjutant gen- 
eral, and directed that all arms and munitions belonging to 
the territory, or to the United States, then in possession of 
the militia, be delivered to Colonel Johns, without delay. 
Through misrepresentation, the government had sent troops 
to Utah to act as "a moral force" in protecting Gentiles and 
apostates. The action of the governor practically destroy- 
ed the militia, and by aid of the government troops, he 
endeavored to establish a military power to intimidate the 
Latter-day Saints, and lessen the power of the "Mormon" 
leaders. 

Request of General Wells. — Against this high-handed 
outrage, General Wells wrote, requesting the governor to 
suspend his order until the 20th of November to enable Ad- 
jutant General Hiram B. Clawson to make a complete report 
according to law, of the condition of the militia. Governor 
Shaffer answered General Wells, October 27, 1870, in an 
insulting letter denying the request. General Wells answered 
this attack in an open letter which was published in the 
Deseret News. 

. The Provo Riot. — The governor's attitude in disre- 
garding all local civil law and authority, bore bitter fruit. 



552 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

The peace officers were rendered helpless in the perform- 
ance of their duties, and the rabid part of the community 
manifested a spirit of contempt and defiance for the law. 
The city ordinances were broken with impunity, and the 
violators were protected by the governor and judges. The 
spirit prevailed among a certain class that the "Mormons" 
had ruled in Utah long enough and it was stated that the 
authorities at Washington were to make a change. There 
was to be a revolution and the minority was to assume the 
reins of government. 

One week after the governor's proclamation disarming 
the militia, a mob of about forty United States soldiers, who 
were stationed at Fort Rawlins, near Provo, made a raid on 
that town. Late at night, September 22, they went to the 
home of Alderman William Miller, fired several shots into 
the building, smashed in the doors and windows, and took 
Miller a prisoner. Similar rioting occurred at the homes of 
Alderman Elijah F. Sheets and Counselor A. F. McDonald. 
The home of the latter was ransacked and his substance scat- 
tered in the yard and street. The doors and windows of the 
co-operative store, and those of the meetinghouse, were 
broken, and the rioters attempted to burn the latter building. 
Armed with needle guns they captured a number of citizens 
and paraded them through the streets prodding them with 
their bayonets. The reason for this deed was that the citi- 
zens of Provo had refused to sell liquor to the troops. 

Governor Shaffer's Letter to General De Trobriand. — 

Several days after the riot occurred Governor Shaffer wrote 

to General De Trobriand, commander at Camp Douglas, 
censuring him for the outrage and trying to place upon his 
shoulders the responsibility for the raid, for which he was in 
no wise responsible. His command and that at Fort Raw- 
lins, were separate and distinct units. The general answered 
the governor's letter — which was evidently written for 
political effect and to injure the commander because he had' 
shown some kindness to the "Mormon" people — with some 



GOVERNOR SHAFFER AND JUDGE McKEAN 553 

sharpness, showing that the governor and not the general 
had been derelict of duty. If the governor expected to profit 
by his communication, which was evidently the case for he 
gave it to the press before the general received it, very little 
benefit was derived from it. 

The Rioters Punished. — The commander at Fort Raw- 
lins, Major Osborne, as well as General De Trobriand, 
greatly regretted the unfortunate and unprovoked attack 
made by the soldiers. The matter was taken up in a proper 
way by the military department of the Platte, and the guilty 
parties were duly punished. 

Death of Governor Shaffer. — Monday, October 31, 
1870, Governor J. Wilson Shaffer died in Salt Lake City. 
He came to Utah in March and had served as governor 
about seven months, but during that time had shown ex- 
treme bitterness, against the majority of the people in all his 
official acts. The day of his death a dispatch came from 
Washington appointing Vernon H. Vaughan, the territorial 
secretary, to succeed him, who in turn was succeeded by 
George A. Black, as secretary. Mr. Black had been Gov- 
ernor Shaffer's private secretary. 

"The Wooden Gun Rebellion." — In November, 1870, 
at the regular time for the military musters, which had been 
prohibited by Governor Shaffer, about one hundred men as- 
sembled on the Twentieth Ward Square, many of them 
carrying wooden guns. Governor Vaughan was absent at 
the time and Secretary Black was acting governor. He had 
eight of the men, viz: Andrew Burt, Charles R. Savage, 
William G. Phillips, James Fennemore, Charles Livingston, 
George M. Ottinger, Archibald Livingston and John C. 
Graham, arrested. They were taken before Judge Hawley 
who bound them over to await the action of the grand jury 
on the ground that it appeared that probably they had com- 
mitted a crime in disregarding Governor Shaffer's order. 
They were placed under heavy bonds, and as they refused 
to give bail, were given over to the military authorities at 



554 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Camp Douglas. They were kindly treated by the officers 
and both "Mormon" and non-"Mormon" merchants looked 
after their wants, furnishing them with many delicacies 
while they remained prisoners. The grand jury, when it met, 
refused to indict them, and they were released. This inci- 
dent became popularly known as "The Wooden Gun Rebel- 
lion." 

The Return of Martin Harris.— August 30, 1870, 
Martin Harris, one of the three witnesses to the Book of 
Mormon, arrived in Salt Lake City. He had been absent 
from the Church since the days of Kirtland ; but had never 
during all those years denied his testimony. He now came 
back humbly to the Church, and was baptized by Elder Ed- 
ward Stevenson and confirmed by Elder Orson Pratt. He 
died at Clarkston, Cache County, July 10, 1875, when nearly 
ninety-three years of age. A few hours before his death he 
discoursed on the Book of Mormon and reiterated the truth 
of the visit of the angel and bore testimony to the divine 
origin of the Book of Mormon. 

The Pratt-Newman Discussion. — During the consid- 
eration 1 of the Cullom Bill by Congress, Rev. John P. New- 
man, pastor of the Metropolitan Methodist Church in Wash- 
ington, and chaplain of the senate, delivered a number of 
lectures trying to prove that "God's law condemns the union 
in marriage of more than two persons." His lectures were 
published in the New York Herald, and replies were made to 
them by Elder Orson Pratt. It was suggested by Edward L. 
Sloan, acting editor of the Salt Lake Daily Telegraph, a 
paper owned by "Gentile" interests, that the reverend gen- 
tleman was wasting his ammunition by preaching against 
plural marriage in Washington. It would' be better for him 
to come to Utah where the question was a live issue, and dis- 
cuss the issue with Orson Pratt, or some other "Mormon" 
elder. Mr. Newman, construing this as a challenge from 
President Brigham Young, came to Utah in the summer of 
1870, armed cap-a-pie and with banners flying. He im- 



GOVERNOR SHAFFER AND JUDGE McKEAN 555 

mediately informed President Young that he was here to 
accept his challenge to discuss the plural marriage question. 
President Young advised him that he had issued no such 
challenge. After the exchange of a number of spirited let- 
ters the reverend doctor issued a challenge to President 
Young to discuss the question, "Does the Bible Sanction 
Polygamy ?" 

It was evidently notoriety and worldly applause Mr. 
Newman was seeking, and he was quite surprised and' dis- 
appointed when President Young, in accepting the challenge, 
appointed Orson Pratt or John Taylor, whichever Mr. New- 
man might prefer, to take his place in the discussion. He 
came to meet the chief and not a subordinate. Nevertheless, 
after some parleying the debate was held, Elder Orson Pratt 
taking the affirmative of the question. The discussion began 
August 12, 1870, at 2 p. m. and continued during the two fol- 
lowing days. Moderators were chosen, but the merits of the 
discussion were left to the public to decide. The press of 
the country took up the discussion, after the debate was 
over, and the consensus of opinion throughout the land was 
that Elder Pratt had proved too skilful for Dr. Newman. 

Comments of the Press. — The Washington corres- 
pondent of the New York Sun stated that the reverend 
doctor was "out of his depth" in the discussion, and that 
it was "plain that the apostle carried too many guns for 
the chaplain of the Senate." The Boston Banner of 
Light declared that "The Dr. Newman, who went forth 
from Washington to Salt Lake City to take Mormonism by 
storm by flourishing his Orthodox Bible in its face, has had 
to come away after a pretty severe tilt with one of the 
leading elders, leaving his Bible behind him. Elder Pratt 
took his Bible out of his hands and opened it again and 
again to pages that taught and upheld the polygamy doc- 
trine, reading off whole volleys of historical texts that went 
to establish the leading Bible characters, esteemed Saints 
by Orthodoxy, as regular Mormons. Dr. Newman craw- 
fished amazingly on this part of the argument and was at 



556 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

last rather glad to abandon it to his Mormon opponent." 
Other papers declared that force alone could settle the 
"Mormon Question." 

Usurpation of Authority. — What the anti-" Mormon" 
political "ring" failed to accomplish by congressional en- 
actment, they assumed to obtain through the actions of the 
governor and the judges. Judge McKean and his col- 
leagues ignored the territorial laws enacted in 1852, 
which were still on the statutes, and denied to the probate 
courts all jurisdiction except in matters of probate. Like- 
wise the duties of the territorial marshal and the territorial 
attorney general had been taken from them and placed 
in the hands of the United States marshal and the United 
States attorney. This, however, was done before the com- 
ing of McKean, but he and his associates confirmed that 
action. The result of these illegal proceedings was packed 
juries, absurd and contradictory rulings, the law becoming 
a mockery and justice a travesty. 

The Englebrecht Case.— August 27, 1870, three days 
before the arrival of Chief Justice McKean, an incident oc- 
curred in Salt Lake City which was ultimately to have 
much to do with the overthrow of his tyrannical and fa- 
natical power. This was the legal abatement by the police 
of a liquor establishment conducted by Paul Englebrecht, 
Christian Rehemke and Frederick Lutz. These men had 
been repeatedly fined for infraction of the law ; but on each 
occasion had appealed their case on the ground that the 
city had no jurisdiction in the case. Expecting protection 
from the district courts, which they had ample reason to 
believe would be given, the firm continued to do an illegal 
liquor business without a city license. On the date men- 
tioned', the police emptied all the liquor into the ditch 
and destroyed all the vessels that were used in its sale. 

For this action suit was brought against the officers 
on complaint of Mr. Englebrecht, and they were placed 
under bonds to await the action of the grand jury on a 
criminal charge. 



GOVERNOR SHAFFER AND JUDGE McKEAN 557 

An Illegal Jury. — Judge Strickland ordered the grand 
jurors for that term of court selected by the United States 
marshal upon a writ of open venire, when the law provided 
that the county clerk in the presence of other officials 
should select them by lot. The attorneys for the city of- 
ficers challenged the proceedings and filed a motion to that 
effect. Judge Strickland ruled that the third district court 
was a United States court and subject to the acts of Con- 
gress, and not the laws of the territory, the challenge 
was overruled and the jurors accepted. The accused men 
were indicted and then convicted for "a wilful and malicious 
destruction of property," and were ordered to pay damages 
in the sum of $59,063.25, which was three times the price 
of the property destroyed. The supreme court of Utah 
affirmed the decision and an appeal was taken to the su- 
preme court of the United States. Of this action we will 
speak later. 

Indictment Against President Young. — When these 
perverters of the law had things arranged to their liking 
they prepared to conduct a crusade against the Church. 
President Young was indicted by this hand-picked grand 
jury for "lewd and lascivious cohabitation." He was later 
admitted to bail by Judge McKean in the sum of five 
thousand dollars. 

"A System on Trial." — Arguments were made before 
the court to quash the indictment, which consumed several 
days, but Judge McKean rendered a decision in which he 
said: 

"Let the counsel on both sides, and the court also keep 
constantly in mind the uncommon character of this case. 
The supreme court of California has well said, 'Courts are 
bound to take notice of the political and social conditions 
of the country they judicially rule.' It is therefore proper 
to say, that while the case at bar is called 'the People 
versus Brigham Young,' its other and real title is 'Federal 
Authority versus Polygamic Theocracy.' The government 
of the United States, founded upon a written Constitution, 
finds within its jurisdiction another government claiming 



558 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

to come from God — imperium in imperio — whose policy and 
practices are, in grave particulars, at variance with its 
own. The one government arrests the other, in the person 
of its chief, and arraigns it at this bar. A system is on 
trial in the person of Brigham Young. Let all concerned 
keep this fact steadily in view ; and let that government rule 
without a rival which shall prove to be in the right." 

The motion being overruled the defendant pleaded not 
guilty, and further proceedings were postponed for future 
action. Among the attorneys defending President Young 
were Thomas Fitch and Charles H. Hempstead, non-"Mor- 
mons." The latter was formerly captain of the California 
volunteers and editor of the Vedette, the first anti-"Mor- 
mon" paper in Utah. He resigned the office of United 
States district attorney because of the wicked and malicious 
methods in which the federal courts in Utah were con- 
ducted, and became legal counsel for President Young. 

Throughout the entire country the attitude and remarks 
of Judge McKean were severely criticized for attempting 
to prosecute the Church in the case of Brigham Young and 
punish him for the alleged "evils of a system." 

Unexpected Calling of the Case. — Having been given 
to understand that his case would not be called until the 
spring term of court, President Young, who was in ill- 
health, went to St. George to spend the winter. His lead- 
ing attorney, Thomas Fitch, also departed for the East. No 
sooner had Judge McKean learned of the departure of 
President Young than he set the date for the trial for the 
20th of November. Attorney Hempstead protested, and 
asked for further time on the ground that it was not under- 
stood that the case would be called. Mr. Baskin, the 
prosecutor, demanded a forfeiture of the bond because the 
defendant was not present, but Judge McKean granted 
a stay until December 4, and later to the 9th of January, 
1872. It was published by the Associated Press that Brig- 
ham Young had forfeited his bond and had fled from jus- 
tice, and every lie imaginable to his injury was presented to 



GOVERNOR SHAFFER AND JUDGE McKEAN 559 

the people of the United States. Although he was sick and 
it was bitter winter weather, President Young, over the 
protest of his brethren, returned to Salt Lake City, to face 
trial before the unfriendly court. In the meantime, how- 
ever, Mr. Baskin who had been improperly appointed dis- 
trict attorney, was replaced by George C. Bates. 

Other Accusations. — On the statement of William A. 
Hickman, a self-confessed murderer, who had been ex- 
communicated from the Church for his crimes, charges were 
made against Brigham Young, Daniel H. Wells and others, 
as accessories to Hickman's crimes. President Young 
knew that he would also face this charge when he returned 
to Salt Lake City. Nevertheless he returned, and on the 
2nd day of January, appeared in court to the astonishment 
of his enemies and asked to be admitted to bail. Dis- 
trict Attorney Bates was willing that bail should be given 
if it should be fixed at the unreasonable sum of five hun- 
dred thousand dollars, but Judge McKean refused on an} 
terms to release the defendant. However, out of consid- 
eration for the condition of his health he permitted him to 
be a prisoner in his own house guarded by deputy marshals. 
Daniel H. Wells, who was mayor of Salt Lake Ci y, had 
previously been admitted to bail in the sum of fifty thous- 
and dollars. This was looked upon as an act of Providence, 
— almost a miracle. A quarrel arising between the judge 
and the district attorney, both went to Washington and 
the trial of the accused brethren was postponed. 

The Englebrecht Decision. — The case never came to 
trial, for from the supreme court of the United States 
there came a decision which overturned the rulings of the 
tyrannical judges. It was the decision in the Englebrecht 
liquor case. The dispatch announcing it, which came over 
the wire April 15, 1872, was as follows: "J U1 T unlawfully- 
drawn : summons invalid ; proceedings ordered dismissed. 
Decision unanimous. All indictments quashed." This de- 
cision put an end to these petty persecutions for the time, 
and about one hundred and twenty individuals, many of 



560 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

whom had been imprisoned many months, were released. 
The Poland Law. — In 1874, Congress passed a meas- 
ure repealing certain Utah statutes relating to the territorial 
marshal and attorney general, and vesting their duties in the 
federal officers. The probate courts were also limited in 
their jurisdiction to matters of estates, guardianship and 
divorce. This, in part, is what the anti-" Mormon" element 
had been contending for in Utah. While this legislation 
was much less radical than that previously proposed, yet it 
curtailed the civil and political rights of the people, which 
had guaranteed their protection against tyranny in the past. 

The Case of Ann Eliza Webb Young. — In July, 
1873, a divorce suit was filed before Judge McKean, by Ann 
Eliza Webb Young, against President Brigham Young- 
This woman, a plural wife, besides asking for a decree of 
separation also sued for alimony pending the litigation, and 
for permanent support for herself and two children by a 
former marriage. The case dragged along until February, 
1875, when Judge McKean ordered the defendant to pay the 
plaintiff three thousand dollars attorney's fees and five 
hundred dollars a month for her support and the education 
of her children. President Young was given ten days in 
which to pay the fees, and twenty days to pay the alimony, 
which amounted for the nineteen months to nine thousand 
five hundred dollars. 

An appeal was taken to the supreme court of the ter- 
ritory, but before a decision could be reached the time 
limit had expired, and the defendant was again dragged be- 
fore the remarkable tribunal of Judge McKean to show 
cause why he should not be punished for contempt of 
court. He denied that he had any intention of showing 
contempt and was merely seeking the benefit of an appeal. 
Judge McKean held that he was guilty of contempt and 
sentenced him to twenty-four hours' imprisonment in the 
penitentiary. He was accompanied to prison by a number 
of friends and spent the night in comparative comfort in 
a room adjoining the warden's quarters. 



GOVERNOR SHAFFER AND JUDGE McKEAN 561 

Removal of Judge McKean. — The news of this 
strange trial and the actions of Judge McKean spread 
throughout the country. There was a great deal of un- 
favorable comment. The San Francisco Bulletin said: 
"When Judge McKean assumes that this woman is the 
wife of Young, makes an interlocutory degree granting her 
three thousand dollars to maintain a suit for divorce, when 
there never was a legal marriage, and commits Young for 
contempt because he hesitates long enough to raise the 
question of the legality of the order, he burns some strange 
fire on the altar of justice." A Chicago paper stated : "This 
summary method of dealing with the Prophet looks very 
much like persecution, and will awaken sympathy for him 
instead of aiding the cause of justice." Even the President 
of the United States, who had stood by Judge McKean 
through all his dealings, when others protested and favored 
his removal, was forced to take some action. Five days 
after he sent President Young to prison, Judge McKean 
was removed from office for "several acts," which the dis- 
patch stated, were deemed "ill advised and tyrannical, and 
in excess of his powers as a judge." 

The Case of George Reynolds. — In 1874, George 
Reynolds, the private secretary of President Brigham Young, 
and a man of honor and integrity, was indicted for viola- 
tion of the bigamy law of 1862. This was to be a test 
case. The "Mormon" people felt confident that the law 
was unconstitutional as it restricted them in the exercise of 
their religion and plural marriage had been commanded 
by the Lord. Elder Reynolds hearing of his indictment 
voluntarily appeared' in court, and gave himself up for 
trial. He was convicted and sentenced to one year's im- 
prisonment and to pay a fine of five hundred dollars. An 
appeal was taken to the supreme court of the territory, 
and the case was dismissed on the ground that the grand 
jury which found the indictment was an illegal jury. 

The Second Reynolds Trial. — A second trial was held 
in 1875, before Alexander White, chief justice of Utah. 

37 



562 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Judge White manifested a determination to be severe, and 
when a verdict of guilty was rendered, he sentenced Elder 
Reynolds to pay a fine of five hundred dollars and serve 
a term of two years in the penitentiary at hard labor. The 
supreme court of Utah confirmed the decree, and an appeal 
was taken to Washington. 

Death of President George A. Smith. — September 1, 
1875, President George A. Smith, first counselor to Presi- 
dent Brigham) Young, died at his residence — the Histori- 
an's Office — in Salt Lake City. He was ordained to the 
apostleship at the temple lot in Far West, April 26, 1838, 
when in his twenty-second year. He passed through the 
trials and vicissitudes of the Church from the days of 
Kirtland. He was Church historian and recorder from 185-1- 
until the time of his death. In the fall of 1872 he took a 
mission to Europe and Asia, accompanied by Elder Lorenzo 




ST. GEORGE TEMPLE 



GOVERNOR SHAFFER AND JUDGE McKEAN 563 



Snow and others, and visited the various missions and 
Jerusalem, where he rededicated the land for the return 
of the Jews. While absent he was sustained as trustee- 
in-trust for the Church. 

Dedication of the St. George Temple. — The forty- 
seventh general conference of the Church was held in the 
St. George Temple in April, 1877. President Young, his 
counselors, the apostles and many leading brethren were 
present. The St. George Temple was dedicated on the 
6th, President Daniel H. Wells offering the dedicatory 
prayer. This was the first temple to be erected in the 
Rocky Mountains, and the first which the Saints had been 
privileged to build without molestation by enemies. Work 
for both the living and the dead commenced in the build- 
ing following the dedication and has continued to be per- 
formed ever since. 

Death of President 
Young.— August 29, 1877, 
President Brigham Young, 
then in his seventy-seventh 
year, passed away after a 
brief illness, at his home in 
Salt Lake City, surrounded 
by his family. On the 19th, 
he organized the Box Elder 
Stake of Zion, at Brigham 
City, which marked the 
close of his public ministry. 
The last words he uttered 
were "J ose P n > Joseph. 
Joseph!" He was think- 
ing of — perhaps conversing 
with — the Prophet Joseph 
Smith. September 2, the 
funeral services were held 
in the tabernacle, and there 
were gathered there to pay 




PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG 



564 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

their respects and to mourn, the many thousands of mod- 
ern Israel. 

Brigham Young, the Prophet. — Brigham Young, the 
great pioneer and colonizer — but greater still the prophet of 
the Lord — was sincerely loved by the righteous and equally 
hated by the wicked. His life was one of trials and tribu- 
lations. Few were the days he spent in peace; many were 
the days he suffered and labored for the love of his fellow- 
men. He died misunderstood, save by the little band of 
devoted Saints who suffered with him and shared his hopes, 
his aspirations, and the assurance which was his of eternal 
life in our Father's Kingdom. 






CHAPTER 48 

CHURCH COLONIZATION AND PROGRESS 
1847—1877 

A Great People in the Mountains. — By the time 
President Brigham Young's administration came to a close, 
the Latter-day Saints had become a great people in the 
Rocky Mountains. They were destined still to grow in 
numbers, spread over greater territory, conquer more des- 
erts, and develop spiritually and temporally in Keeping with 
the progress of the times; but even then (1877) they had 
built up many settlements, spread over a vast area, and 
accomplished a wonderful work in the reclamation of the 
arid west. 

The Planting of Colonies. — Before the Saints had 
been in the Salt Lake Valley a year many parties were 
sent out, principally to the north and to the south, to form 
new settlements. Within two years from the time Salt Lake 
City was founded colonies had been planted in the utter- 
most parts of the territory. Exploring parties were sent 
out in advance, and when a site was selected a large com- 
pany of volunteers followed to make the permanent settle- 
ment. In these colonies care was taken to have a proper 
representation of craftsmen, that the needs of the settlers 
might be supplied. Skilled carpenters, masons, millwrights, 
blacksmiths, cobblers, as well as tillers of the soil, went into 
these unbroken wastes and made them blossom by their 
industry. Each individual was given a specific duty to 
perform, and did it unselfishly, according to the plan which 
.lad been arranged. Ploughs, seeds and the required ani- 
mals for ploughing, ditch building and other labor, were 
provided, and the labor was done on the co-operative plan. 
All shared alike, according to their individual needs. They 
were happy, notwithstanding the rigorous toil required to 
subdue the desert places. 

Unparalleled Progress.— It has been written of them, 



566 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

that they "made more progress and suffered less privation 
in reclaiming the waste lands of the wilderness than did 
the Spaniards in the garden spots of Mexico and Central 
America, or the English in the most favored region near the 
Atlantic seaboard." But let it be understood this was not 
accomplished by them without severe trial and suffering. 
Their Perfect Organization. — The reason they were 
able to obtain such excellent results is that they had a per- 
fect organization, and were loyal and obedient to the au- 
thority over them. This naturally resulted in complete 
co-operation and unity of purpose, with a minimum of in- 
dividual selfishness. They had not come to the Rocky 
Mountains for the sake of wordly aggrandizement, but for 
the establishment of permanent homes, and the exercise of 
their religious freedom in peace according to the dictates of 
their conscience. 

Proselytes from Europe. — Between the years 1847 
and 1856, fifty-nine companies of emigrants, com- 
prising seventeen thousand souls, sailed from European 
shores, bound for Utah. Five thousand others had previ- 
ously ^emigrated, making a total of about twenty-two 
thousand persons from abroad, who had joined the Church 
through the preaching of the Gospel. They were princi- 
pally from the British Isles, Scandinavia, Germany and 
Switzerland, with a small sprinkling from France, Italy 
and other nations. They came from the factories and the 
mines of Great Britain, the fisheries and the dairy farms 
of Scandinavia, the workshops of Germany, the vineyards 
of France and Italy — from various pursuits and occupations 
in which many of them were unable, in the old world, out of 
the scanty pittance they received as wages, to save enough 
to buy a passage across the sea. Of the emigration from 
the old country beween 1850 and 1860, it was estimated that 
28 per cent were common laborers ; 14 per cent, miners, and 
about 28 per cent mechanics. From the ranks of the re- 
maining thirty per cent there came many merchants, doctors, 
professors, skilled engineers, artizans, and artists, 






COLONIZATION AND PROGRESS S67 

Character of the Converts. — Occasionally there was 
one who had joined the Church who was in possession of 
an abundance of this world's goods, and big enough to 
share with his less fortunate neighbor, for the converts 
were not confined to the poor and the needy, the unlearned 
and the ignorant. In fact very few of the latter class 
received the Gospel message. The converts were gathered 
from all nations, but they were not the scum, the moral out- 
casts, the undesirables among the nations, but the very 
bones and sinews, the life's blood, the brawn, without which 
the nations would perish from the earth. This class, de- 
spised and trodden under foot from time immemorial by 
the haughty, the proud, the titled nobility; but upon whom, 
nevertheless, the aristocratic population depend for their very 
exis ence, is the salt of the earth — that class which the 
scriptures say, in the day of the Savior's ministry, had 
the Gospel preached to them and heard it gladly. 

The pioneer immigrants, who established the state of 
Utah, belonged to the great industrial class, honest, though 
generally poor, which laid the foundation of our nation. 
Among the early members of the Church were many who 
fought in freedom's cause and who were descendants of the 
early colonial families of New England and the border 
Atlantic States. 

What the Gospel Did for Them. — "Mormonism" took 
hold of the dependent thousands of poor from all parts 
of the earth and made them virtually independent by plac- 
ing them on farms, and otherwise furnishing them with 
remunerative employment, by which they became financially 
free. The year that President Young died, the population 
of Utah Territory was approximately one hundred and forty 
thousand, and of that number over forty thousand were of 
foreign birth. Men from the looms of England, the fac- 
tories of Germany, and various other dependent vocations, 
in the towns and cities of Europe, were under the necessity 
of changing the nature of their lives. These men, unac- 
customed to the severity of the labor required in farming 



568 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

were sent out to reclaim the desert wastes, and to till the 
soil in an uninviting land; yet they were successful, and' 
were transformed into prosperous farmers, stockraisers, 
blacksmiths, husbandmen, and were made free landholders 
■ — a thing they never dreamed of becoming while residing in 
the crowded centers of Europe. 

The Amalgamation of Many Peoples. — Notwith- 
standing they were gathered from the four quarters of the 
earth, with all their different customs and habits of life, 
their new surroundings, coupled with their unity of relig- 
ious views, soon welded them together into one race and 
people. The Gospel as revealed through Joseph Smith 
teaches unity. Those who embrace it, whatever their views 
may have been before, soon learn to think alike ; their aims 
are the same, their desires mutual, and all are brought to 
a common understanding. Such are the effects of the 
Gospel upon them that they forget their nationality and' 
are absorbed by their new environment, and truly become a 
part of the soil on which they dwell. 

Benefits from the Amalgamation. — As England was 
made great through the mingling of Norman, Saxon and 
Dane with the native tribes of Britain, so also have the 
"Mormon" people benefited through the amalgamation of the 
races. Through the preaching of the Gospel "Mormonism" 
has drawn on the best nations ; has sifted and gathered from 
them their very best people, and due to the peculiar cir- 
cumstances that prevail, the unity of faith and aspiration 
the Gospel inspires, it is moulding out a new and superior 
race. The "Mormon" people are strong mentally, spirit- 
ually, morally, as well as physically. Battling with the ele- 
ments and contending with many difficulties have made 
them such. They came to the valleys of the mountains 
"with songs of everlasting joy" to obtain inheritances for 
themselves and children after them that shall endure for- 
ever, in a land of liberty, known to them as being "choice 
above all other lands." 

Frugality and Co-operation. — The early settlers were 



COLONIZA TION AND PROGRESS 569 

taught to produce as far as possible, all that they consumed ; 
to be frugal and not wasteful of their substance; to draw 
from the elements the necessities of life and avoid all vitiated 
tastes which would lead them into excessive indulgence. 
Home industry was the watchword, and the people of neces- 
sity were called upon to be producers. Their clothing, 
though plain, was durable and the workmanship of their own 
hands. In the days of the pioneer, and until comparatively 
recent times, the spinning wheel and the loom were to be 
seen in the homes of the Saints. 

Co-operation and community interests did much for the 
people in those early days. Houses were built, canals were 
dug, fields were ploughed and planted, and reservoirs were 
constructed on the co-operative principle for the welfare of 
the people. There was no money to be had, and such was 
the concern of the individual for the progress of the com- 
munity that his time was given gratis in the making of 
public and civic improvements. He realized that he was 
bound to reap his portion of the benefits derived from his 
toil. 

Changed Conditions of Today. — Today it is largely 
the case, that a man who gives his time, even though it be in 



fl We have a marvelous combination of physiographic conditions 
and social organizations in the development of Utah under the 
guidance of Mormonism. The agriculture pursued was irri- 
gated agriculture, which for its success is dependent upon a com- 
pact society, well knit together. Individualism was out of the 
question under these conditions, and in Mormonism we find pre- 
cisely the cohesive strength of religion needed at that juncture 
to secure economic success. 

Agriculture was made the foundation of the economic life, and 
consciously so. Brigham Young discouraged mining and adventur- 
ous pursuits, because he had a theory of socio-economic devel- 
opment in accordance with which agriculture should come first, 
manufacturing second, and mining later. It was essential that 
food should be produced first of all, and also there was a desire 
that settled habits should be acquired. Another peculiarity of the 
situation, namely, that the land could be made to yield a harvest 
only by means of irrigation, has just been mentioned, and the 
Mormons thus became the pioneers of modern irrigation in the 
United States. (Dr. Richard R. Ely, in Harper'i Magazine, 1903.) 



570 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

some labor from which he is bound to receive his portion 
of the reward, feels that he must receive some monetary re- 
muneration for the time he spends. And thus, due to the 
modern labor conditions and the closer contact with the 
outside world, with all its customs, theories and established 
institutions, this excellent and neighborly custom of co-op- 
eration, which existed in the days of President Brigham 
Young, has almost entirely passed away. 

Division of Lands and Water. — President Young 
taught the doctrine that a man should have as much farm 
land as he could properly cultivate, and not more. The 
lands were divided among the people on that principle. 
From the beginning it was also established that the water 
from the mountain streams should belong to the people and 
not to private individuals. This doctrine proved extremely 
beneficial. Where private individuals have been permitted 
to file on the canyon streams, it has been a detriment to 
the majority of the people who are dependent upon such 
streams. 

A Farsighted Policy. — The far sighted policy of Pres- 
ident Young was the means of placing the people in their 
own homes where they could dwell "safely, every man under 
his vine and under his fig tree." As late as the year 1896, 
the year Utah was admitted into the Union, there were 19,- 
816 farms and of that number 17,584 were free from in- 
cumbrance of mortgage and debt. Unfortunately, since the 
advent of the automobile and other modern conveniences 
and amusements, such a condition does not exist today. 

The Recreation of the People. — Although the Latter- 
day Saints were forced to labor diligently and there was 
no place for idlers among them, they found time for proper 
recreation. President Young realized the necessity of recre- 
ation and amusement and knew their proper place. The 
Sabbath day was sacredly observed. There was no con- 
flict between duty and pleasure and the labors of the people 
were faithfully performed. He encouraged the drama and 
Other educational diversions in which the routine of the daily 



COLONIZATION AND PROGRESS 571 

lives of the people was broken. He built the Salt Lake 
Theatre, which was begun in 1861 and opened to the pub- 
lic in March 1862. Before that time the Social Hall, which 
was built in 1852, was used for such entertainment. There 
was much local talent among the people, which was aug- 
mented by visits to the territory of the great artists of those 
times. The dance — not, however, as it is conducted in these 
modern days — was likewise encouraged. All amusements 
were opened and closed with prayer; and the presence of 
the great Pioneer and his associates at these entertainments, 
not only lent encouragement to the recreation, but was an 
influence which established proper decorum and conduct. 
Their amusements were all innocent and uplifting. The 
main thought of President Young was to couple education 
with the recreation of the people, and have all entertain- 
ments controlled by the influence of the Spirit of the Lord. 

Importance of Education Realized. — The education 
of the youth of the Church was a matter which received 
constant attention, nor was there anything that was con- 
sidered of greater importance. The Prophet Joseph Smith 
taught that "the glory of God is intelligence, " and from the 
organization of the Church, schools have been conducted 
for the members who were instructed to obtain "out of the 
best books words of wisdom" by study and by faith. 

In February 1850, the legislature of the provisional 
government chartered the "University of Deseret (now the 
University of Utah) somewhat on the lines of the charter 
of the University of Nauvoo. It was provided that $5000.00 
be appropriated annually by the legislature for the support 
of the University. This was a very large sum for that 
day, to be provided by the handful of people for the support 
of such an institution. It was also provided that primary, 
or district schools should be supported. While this 
action was taken by officers of the provisional government, 
and later ratified by them as officers of Utah Territory, yet 
they were all members of the Church, with President Young 
taking the initiative in the educational movement. 



572 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

In the spring of 1851, district school houses were built 
in most of the wards of Salt Lake City. These buildings 
were used for the general ward gatherings of the Saints, 
and daily schools were held in them. 

The Beginning of Church Schools. — In later years, 
after the territory had increased in population, other schools 
were established. President Young founded a number of 
Church schools. Among these were the Brigham Young 
Academy (now the Brigham Young University) at Provo, 
one of the leading institutions of learning in the state; the 
Brigham Young College at Logan, and the Latter-day Saints 
University (now High School) at Salt Lake City. b In ad- 
dition to these schools the auxiliary organizations' 7 also 
were organized for the training and education of the mem- 
bers of the Church and have aided materially in this direc- 
tion. 

Territorial Expansion. — At the close of the first de- 
cade after the settlement of Utah, colonies of the Latter-day 
Saints extended' from Fort Limhi on the north, to Cedar 
City, on the south, a distance of about five hundred miles; 
and from Fort Supply on the east to Carson Valley on the 
west, about four hundred miles. The population of this 
area was about fifty thousand people, nearly all members 
of the Church. 

Fort Limhi. — In the summer of 1855, a colony was 
sent to the north where they founded Fort Limhi (now 
called Lemhi) on Salmon River. This was the most north- 
erly settlement of the Saints, about three hundred and sev- 
enty-five miles from Salt Lake City. The settlement was 
continued until 1858 when it was abandoned for the reason 
that it was too far away and the colonists were constantly 
harassed by hostile Indian tribes. 

On the Rio Virgin. — In 1861, a large number of 



&For the school year ending in June 1922, the Church ap- 
propriated the sum of $750,000 for the maintenance of Church 
schools. 

f For auxiliary organizations, see appendix. 



COLONIZATION AND PROGRESS 573 

Saints were called to go from the middle and central coun- 
ties of Utah to settle on the Rio Virgin ana Santa Clara 
Rivers. They located and founded the city of St. George, 
and other towns on the upper Rio Virgin. The following 
year other members of the Church were called to go to 
that southern country to lend strength to the settlements. 
That year they raised about one hundred thousand pounds 
of cotton in the "Dixie" of the West, showing that this 
industry was a possibility. 

San Bernardino. — At a much earlier date (1851), 
Elders Amasa M. Lyman and Charles C. Rich, with about 
five hundred souls from Utah, journeyed to southern Cali- 
fornia, where in September of that year they built the town 
of San Bernardino. This continued to be a flourishing set- 
tlement until 1858, when the people were called back to 
Utah owing to the coming of Johnston's Army, and was 
never again occupied as a permanent settlement by the 
Saints. 

Bear Lake Valley. — In the fall of 1863, Bear Lake 
Valley was settled by a colony under the leadership of Elder 
Charles C. Rich, who made that country his home until 
his death, November 17, 1883. Cache Valley, had previously 
been occupied and settlements founded as early as 1856. 

The Muddy Mission. — Early in the year 1871, the 
Saints who had gone to the far south and settled on the 
Muddy River in 1865, abandoned their homes, due to op- 
pressive taxation levied against them by the new state of 
Nevada, which had been created out of the western portion 
of the territory of Utah. Subsequently, however, these 
settlements were re-established. 

In this manner were the valleys of the mountains- oc- 
cupied by the Latter-day Saints through the inspiration and 
wisdom of President Brigham Young. Many of these set- 
tlements have grown into thriving and populous centers 
with a future before them of still wider and greater ex- 
pansion. 

Organization of Stakes. — At the time of the death 



574 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

of President Young in 1877, there were organized in the 
Church twenty Stakes of Zion, d namely, in the order of their 
creation: Salt Lake, Weber, Utah, Parowan, Cache, Juab, 
Millard, Beaver, Bear Lake, Sevier, St. George, Kanab, 
Panguitch, Davis, Tooele, Morgan, Sanpete, Summit, 
Wasatch and Box Elder. Two others, St. Louis and Car- 
son Valley, had been discontinued. The wards in the 
Church on that date were approximately two hundred and 
fifty. 

The Missions. — During the administration of Presi- 
dent Young, missionary labors were performed in the vari- 
ous States of the Union, and in the following foreign lands : 
Canada, British Isles, India, Australia, Palestine, Society 
Islands, France, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Hawaii, Italy, 
Switzerland, Iceland, Chile, Germany, Siam, Gibraltar, 
South Africa, Malta, West Indies, New Zealand, Holland, 
Austria, Finland and Mexico. In some of these fields little 
was accomplished ; from others there have been gathered to 
Zion many thousands of the scattered house of Israel, and 
principally of the tribe of Ephraim, according to the pre- 
dictions of the ancient prophets. This has been especially 
true of the Anglo-Saxon, Scandinavian and Teutonic races. 



<*For list of stakes, see appendix. 



PART SIX 

Recent Development 



CHAPTER 49 

THE SECOND PERIOD OF APOSTOLIC PRESI- 
DENCY 
1877—1879 

The Apostles Again Preside. — At the death of Pres- 
ident Brigham Young, there was rejoicing among the ene- 
mies of the Church, who thought it was due to his strong 
personality and force of character that "Mormonism" en- 
dured. They did not, and could not, comprehend that the 
Church had been restored for the last time, and was des- 
tined to endure forever with the stamp of divine approval 

upon it, for the Power by 
which it was upheld was 
higher and greater than the 
personality of any man. 
The Lord Jesus Christ was 
its founder, and he had 
promised to protect and 
watch over it unto the end. 
The death of President 
Young again made the 
council of Twelve Apostles 
the presiding quorum of the 
Church, and as such they 
were unanimously sustained 
at the October conference 
in 1877, with President 
John Taylor at their head. 
President John Taylor was 
born at Milnthorpe, West- 
moreland, England, No- 
president john taylor vember 1, 1808. About the 




576 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



year 1828 he left his native land and came to Canada, where 
he received the Gospel in 1836, through the preaching of 
Elder Parley P. Pratt. He was called to the apostleship in 
December, 1838, and was actively engaged in the ministry 
from that time forth. He filled numerous missions and' 
opened the door for the preaching of the Gospel in France 
in 1850. He superintended the translation of the Book of 
Mormon in French and German, and was engaged in lit- 
erary work at home and abroad covering a period of many 
years. President Taylor was a man of high integrity and 
strong conviction. He was painfully wounded in Carthage 
jail — four balls entered his body — at the time of the martyr- 
dom of the Prophet Joseph and Patriarch Hyrum Smith. 
Under his administration the Church grew and expanded 
notwithstanding the fierce and cruel persecution through 
which it was forced to go, when the government of the 
United States, without mercy, was arrayed against it. 

The Twelve Apostles continued to act as the Presidency 
of the Church until October, 1880, a little more than three 
years, when the First Presidency again was organized. 

The Decision in the Reynolds Case. — The case of 
Elder George Reynolds, which had been appealed to the 
supreme court of the United States in 1875, was argued 
before that body in November 1878. January 6, 1879, that 
court handed down a decision unanimously confirming the 
sentence of the courts of Utah, and also declaring the anti- 
bigamy law of 1862 to be constitutional. This decision 
was of the utmost concern to the Latter-day Saints, who 
were confident that the supreme court, in justice, could not 
give confirmation to a law which they sincerely believed 
to be an infringement of their religion. 

President Taylors Comment. — President John Tay- 
lor, convinced that this decision was an assault on the ex- 
ercise of religion guaranteed by the Constitution, stated in 
an interview and in answer to questions from O. J. Hollister, 
United States internal revenue collector in Utah, the fol 
lowing : 



APOSTOLIC PRESIDENCY 577 

"When the Constitution of the United States was 
framed and adopted, those high contracting parties did 
positively agree that they would not interfere with re- 
ligious affairs. Now, if our marital relations are not re- 
ligious, what is? This ordinance of marriage was a direct 
revelation to us through Joseph Smith, the Prophet. You 
may not know it, but I know that this is a revelation from 
God and a command to his people, and therefore it is my 
religion. I do not believe that the Supreme Court of the 
United States has any right to interfere with my religious 
views, and in doing it they are violating their most sacred 
obligations. * * * 

"We acknowledge our children ; we acknowledge our 
wives; we have no mistresses. We had no prostitution 
until it was introduced by monogamy, and I am now told that 
these other diabolical deeds are following in its train. The 
courts have protected these people in their wicked prac- 
tices. We repudiate all such things, and hence I consider 
that a system that will enable a man to carry out his 
professions, and that will enable him to acknowledge his 
wife or wives and acknowledge and provide for his child- 
ren and wives, is much more honorable than that principle 
which violates its marital relations and, whilst hypocriti- 
cally professing to be true to its pledges, recklessly violates 
the same and tramples upon every principle of honor, which 
sits down and coolly and deliberately decides how many 
children shall be murdered and how many shall live." 

An Unjust Sentence. — The sentence including "hard 
labor" pronounce against Elder Reynolds, was in excess of 
the law. On that ground the attempt was made to have 
the case reopened and the proceedings quashed, but the 
supreme court of the United States refused to issue such 
an order. It did, however, remand the case to the supreme 
court of Utah, with instructions "to cause the sentence of 
the district court to be set aside, and a new one entered 
on the verdict in all respects like that before imposed, 
except so far as it requires the imprisonment to be at hard 
labor." A petition from over thirty thousand citizens of 
the territory, asking for the pardon of the defendant was 

38 



578 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

forwarded to President Rutherford B. Hayes, who ignored it. 
The Defendant Imprisoned. — The defendant, George 
Reynolds, was re-sentenced June 14, 1879, and two days 
later he left Salt Lake City, for Lincoln, Nebraska, in 
charge of George A. Black and William T. Shaughnessy. 
deputy marshals, to serve his sentence in the Nebraska pen- 
itentiary. He served less than a month in that prison 
when he was brought back to Utah and placed in the local 
penitentiary where he was confined until he had served 
out his sentence, from June 1879 to January 1881, receiv- 
ing the remission of his fine and the reduction for good 
behavior of one hundred and forty-four days. While con- 
fined he taught school, his pupils being the inmates of the 
prison. So successful was he that the warden remarked of 
him: "Reynolds is worth more than all the guards in keep- 
ing order among the prisoners." 

Bitter Threats Against the Church. — The bitterness 
of the anti-"Mormon" press of Salt Lake City, and the 
broadcast circulation of falsehoods by the enemies of the 
Church commenced an agitation throughout the nation that 
was to result in special legislation against the "Mormon" 
people intended to encompass their destruction. Ministers 
of the Protestant churches in the United States took up the 
hue and cry. Many bitter expressions were heard in con- 
demnation of the Latter-day Saints, and threats were made 
against their peace and safety. A sample of the blood- 
thirsty utterances is that given by Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage 
in the Brooklyn Tabernacle, shortly after the death of 
President Young, as follows : "Now my friends — now, at 
the death of the Mormon Chieftain, is the time for the 
United States government to strike. They are less or- 
ganized than they have been, and less than they will be. 
If these Mormons will not submit to authority, let so much 
of their rich lands be confiscated for the wants of the 
government as will be sufficient for their subjugation. If 
the government of the United States cannot stand the ex- 
pense, let Salt Lake City pay for it. (Applause.) Turn 



APOSTOLIC PRESIDENCY 579 

their vast temple into an arsenal. Set Phil Sheridan after 
them. (Immense applause.) Give them enough troops and 
he will teach all Utah that forty wives is thirty-nine too 
many. I call upon the Church of Jesus Christ to pray for 
the overthrow of this iniquity." 

Address of Anti-"Mormon" Women. — In November, 
1878, the Gentile women in Salt Lake City met in the 
Congregational Church, to the number of about two hun- 
dred, and drew up an address to the wife of the President 
of the United States, denouncing plural marriage and its 
practice in the name of religion. They called upon the 
"Christian women of the United States" to aid them in the 
arrest of "the progress of evil," and to delay the ad- 
mission of Utah into statehood until this was accomplished. 
Congress was also memorialized and circular letters were for- 
warded to the clergy with the request that they be pre- 
sented to their congregations for signatures and then sent 
to the congressmen of their respective districts. 

"Mormon" Women Reply. — A counter mass meet- 
ing of the women of the Church was held November 16, 
1878, in which they declared they had been misjudged and 
misrepresented to the nation in regard to their most sacred 
rights. They invited the government to make an impartial 
investigation of their cause. 

Falsehoods of the Press. — Nearly every paper in the 
United States devoted space to the "Mormon" question, 
and almost without exception, with bitter denunciation and 
suggestions to Congress of the most drastic nature. The 
Salt Lake Tribune did not hesitate to circulate the most 
contemptible falsehoods that these fires of hate might be 
kept burning. 

The Miles Case. — Another cause of agitation, and 
one that went a long way towards congressional action of 
the severest nature against the practice of plural marriage, 
was the case of John H. Miles. This case ran a course of 
about three years, having been carried before the supreme 
court of the United States. Miles was arrested in October, 



580 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

1878, on complaint of Carrie Owen Miles, his wife. She 
accused Miles of having married Emily Spencer of St. 
George, on the same day, and' a little before her own 
ceremony was performed. She was not present at the 
ceremony, but testified that during a reception held that 
evening Emily Spencer was referred to as Mrs. Miles. The 
case was taken before Judge Emerson, in the Third dis- 
trict court, in April, 1879, where it was conceded that the 
ceremony had been performed betwen John H. Miles and 
Carrie Owen, and the defense objected to the testimony of 
the complainant on the ground that a wife could not testi- 
fy against her husband. The marriage of Miss Spencer 
was not admitted. However, the evidence was taken and 
Miles was "found guilty" and sentenced to pay a fine of 
one hundred dollars and serve a term of five years in the 
penitentiary. An appeal was taken to the supreme court 
of Utah which affirmed the decision, and the case was 
then taken to the supreme court of the United States. The 
end of the matter came in 1881, when the supreme court 
handed down a decision stating that an error had been 




THE ENDOWMENT HOUSE 



APOSTOLIC PRESIDENCY 581 

committed in the trial court by permitting Caroline Owen 
Miles to give evidence against Miles, since the law in Utah 
provided that a wife could not legally testify against her 
husband, or a husband against his wife. The marriage 
with Emily Spencer not having been admitted, and not. 
having been proved, was the only issue in the trial. The 
decision was set aside and the case remanded for a new 
trial. The case was dropped, as the United States attorney 
felt that there could be no conviction. However, this case 
helped to stir the country to such a pitch that legislation was 
enacted repealing the Utah law. 

Daniel H. Wells Before the Court. — While the trial 
of John H. Miles was before the court, Caroline Owen 
Miles gave a purported description of the apparel worn by 
those who passed through the endowment house. a The 
prosecution attempted to show that such apparel was worn 
by those who went there to be married. Daniel H. Wells, 
who had oer formed the ceremony for Miles ?.nd Carrie 
Owen, was called to the stand and questioned by Attorney 
Van Zile, who asked him to describe the dress worn in 
that building. This he declined to do. Judge Emerson 
decided that the question was proper, and as the witness 
still refused, he was placed in the custody of the marshal, 
with instructions that he should appear in the court the 
next day, to show cause why he should not be committed 
for contempt of court. 

Imprisonment of Daniel H. Wells. — The next day, 
May 3, 1879, President Wells, with his attorney, appeared 
before Judge Emerson and stated his willingness to ans- 
wer the questions, if they should be put in a proper way. 
The questions were put to him again, but purposely in 
such a way that he felt it his duty not to answer them. 
He declared that he was under sacred obligation to pre- 



a The Endowment House was a comparatively small temple, 
erected in the northwest corner of the Temple Block to serve 
temporarily as a house of the Lord. It was torn down in 1889 
by the order of President Wilford Woodruff, 



582 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

serve secret what he was asked to reveal. The court in- 
sisted that he should answer, and the witness replied: "I 
consider a person who reveals the sacred ceremonies of the 
endowment house a falsifier and a perjurer; and it has 
been and is a principle of my life never to betray a friend, 
my religion, my country, or my God. It seems to me that 
this is sufficient reason why I should not be held in con- 
tempt." 

The judge held that the witness was in contempt for 
not answering, and sentenced him to pay a fine of one 
hundred dollars and to be imprisoned for two days. Presi- 
dent Wells was immediately placed in the hands of the 
United States marshal and taken to the penitentiary where 
he served his brief term of confinement. 

A Public Protestation. — The action of Judge Emer- 
son caused great indignation, and the Latter-day Saints were 
aroused. A public demonstration in protest of the action 
was planned, and many people gathered from the sur- 
rounding counties as far north as Bear Lake and south 
as far as Juab. A procession of ten thousand formed and 
met President Wells at the Burton Farm, three miles south 
of the city, and marched through the streets to the tab- 
ernacle, which was thronged with people. The presence 
of the released prisoner was a signal for prolonged ap- 
plause. Speeches were made, interspersed with music 
from several bands. As the procession marched through 
the city they carried banners with inscriptions among which 
were the following: 

"If courts compel men to dishonor and forswear them- 
selves, how can they expect perjurers to give truth in 
evidence ?" 

"We honor the law and its just adminstration, but we 
despise petty tyranny." 

"We will teach our children to be true to their country 
and their God; but to perjure themselves never! no never!" 

"The rights of conscience we never submitted, we could 
not submit; we are answerable for them to our God." — 
Thomas Jefferson. 



APOSTOLIC PRESIDENCY 583 

"If ever the laws of God and men are at variance, the 
former are to be obeyed in derogation of the latter." — 
Blackstone. 

"God's Law." 

"Thou shalt not forswear Thyself; but shall perform 
unto the Lord thine oaths." 

"Modern Law." 

"Thou shalt forswear thyself, or go to prison." 

"When Free Masons, Odd Fellows and others are com- 
pelled to make their secrets public, it will be time enough 
to practice on Mormons; try the others first." 

"We venerate the Constitution, we honor the law, we 
respect the Executive, Congress and the Judiciary; we 
bow to the righteous mandates of the law, but we despise 
bigots, we execrate tyranny, and protest against intoler- 
ance from any source." 

Litigation over President Young's Estate. — In June, 
1879, a few of the heirs of President Brigham Young, in 
opposition to all the rest, entered suit against the executors 
of the estate, claiming property held in the name of the 
late president as trustee-in-trust for the Church, as his 
personal property. The sum in litigation amounted to 
nearly one million dollars. Application was made for an 
injunction restraining the executors from further perform- 
ance of their duties, and enjoining President John Taylor 
from disposing of any property received by him as trastee- 
in-trust. Judge Emerson granted the injunction and ap- 
pointed William S. McCornick and United States Marshal 
Shaughnessy, non-"Mormons," to take charge of all the 
property. President Taylor asked that the injunction be 
dissolved, and the order appointing the receivers be re- 
voked, on the ground that the claims against the estate 
were "a bona fide existing indebtedness," so recognized 
by the late president, who authorized in his will the set- 
tling of such claims by his executors. 

Imprisonment of the Executors. — A warrant was is- 
sued by Judge Boreman, who was most bitter against the 
Church, for the arrest of President Taylor and the exe- 



584 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

cutors, George Q. Cannon, Brigham Young, Jr., and Al- 
bert Carrington. Showing that he had complied with the 
order of the court, President Taylor was discharged, but 
the executors were committed to the penitentiary, for re- 
fusing to furnish additional security, which was considered 
by them as nothing more or less than an attempt to levy 
blackmail. Their imprisonment extended from August 4 
to 28, when they were released through the reversal of 
Judge Boreman's decision by the supreme court of the 
territory — Judge Boreman dissenting. 

Counter Suit and Settlement. — A counter suit was 
brought against the heirs by the Church for the recovery 
of its property, The case came before Judge John A. 
Hunter, who had arrived in the territory the previous 
summer. The case was dismissed in October (1879), with- 
out coming to judgment, as the parties to the suit came to 
a mutual agreement. The litigant heirs, according to the 
agreement, were paid the sum of seventy- five thousand 
dollars and all charges were withdrawn. The receivers 
were dismissed. President Taylor presented the terms of 
the settlement before the general conference of the Church 
which convened two days after the decision was made, and 
it was endorsed by unanimous vote. 

Secretary Evarts' Circular Letter. — William M. 
Evarts, secretary of state, in the cabinet of President Hayes, 
sent out a circular letter in October 1879, to the diplo- 
matic officers of the United States in foreign countries, ad- 
vising them that large numbers of persons from various 
lands were coming to the United States for the purpose 
of joining the "Mormons" in Utah; also that the marriage 
system of the "Mormons" was pronounced by the laws 
of the United States to be a crime against the statutes 
of the country. These immigrants, he said, came "to swell 
the numbers of the law-defying Mormons of Utah," who 
were endeavoring to bring persons to the United States 
with the intent of violating laws punishable by fine and 
penitentiary imprisonment. The representatives of the gov- 



APOSTOLIC PRESIDENCY 585 

ernment abroad were instructed to "check the organization 
of these criminal enterprises," by calling the attention of 
the several governments to the situation. This was to be 
in the interest "not merely of a faithful execution of the 
laws of the United States, but of the peace, good order and 
morality which are cultivated and sought to be promoted 
by all civilized countries." 

Condemnation of Evarts' Course. — It was a time 
when condemnation of the "Mormons" was a popular 
amusement in the world, but this letter of Secretary Evarts 
brought down on his head a storm of ridicule, even from 
those unfriendly to the Latter-day Saints, in this country and 
also in foreign lands. The London Times was very caustic 
in its treatment' of the letter, and the New York Sun 
stated: "Now let Mr. Evarts instruct his diplomatic agents 
abroad to ask the foreign powers — as a favor and a friend- 
ly act towards the United States — to hang any of their 
subjects who may become murderers after their arrival 
in this country. The foreign powers are said to have been 
astonished by Mr. Evarts' circular. They had reason to 
be amazed." 

The Murder of Joseph Standing. — The continued 
publication of unfavorable articles in the press of the 
country concerning the Latter-day Saints, and the con- 
stant repetition of falsehoods emanating from the enemies 
of the Church at Salt Lake City — where most all the agita- 
tion originated — caused much bitterness throughout the 
country. The missionaries of the Church were sorely 
abused, especially in the Southern States, where many of 
them were stripped, tied to trees and brutally beaten by 
mobs, until the blood ran from their wounded bodies, and 
when released they were ordered from that part of the 
country on pain of death if they remained. 

On the 21st of July, 1878, Elders Joseph Standing, 
twenty- five years of age, and Rudger Clawson, a youth of 
twenty-two, were surrounded by a mob at Varnal Station, 
Whitefield County, Georgia, and were taken to the woods 



586 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

apparently for the purpose of receiving a thrashing. Elder 
Standing at this juncture made some show of resistance 
when one of the mobbers fired at him. The ball passed 
through his left eye and ranging upward came out of the 
forehead. Immediately following this deed one of the 
gang, pointing at Elder Clawson, said, "Shoot that man!" 
It was a critical moment for the young elder, who turned 
and coolly faced the mob with folded arms and exclaimed, 
— "Shoot!" His coolness seemed to unnerve the mob who 
lowered their guns. It was then suggested by one of 
the mobbers that Elder Standing had shot himself, al- 
though he was unarmed. Elder Clawson at his earnest 
solicitation was permitted to go after help, and while he 
was gone the fiends shot about twenty bullets into the 
body of the prostrate man, mostly into his face and neck, 
and so close that the wounds were powder burned. 

The Coroner's Verdict. — An inquest was held and 
a verdict found in which David D. Nations, Jasper N. Na- 
tions, A. S. Smith, David Smith, Benj. Clark, William 
Nations, Andrew Bradley, James Fawcett, Hugh Blair, 
Joseph Nations, Jefferson Hunter and Mack McClure, who 
were seen by witnesses in the mob at the time of the kill- 
ing, were accused of the crime. 

"Not Guilty." — The guilty parties fled from Georgia. 
Three of them were captured and returned to the state, 
but were released on furnishing bail in the sum of five 
thousand dollars each. The grand jury found indictments 
against Jasper Nations for murder, against Bradley for man- 
slaughter, and against Blair for riot. In October, 1879, 
their trial was held. Elder Clawson attended as a witness, 
and notwithstanding the positive nature of his testimony, 
and that of the other eye witnesses, all three defendants 
were acquitted. Elder John Morgan, who was presiding in 
the Southern States and who was present at the proceed- 
ings, sent a telegram to the Deseret News at the close of 
the trial of Jasper Nations, stating: "The old, old story. 
Verdict, not guilty!" 



CHAPTER 50 

THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT JOHN 
TAYLOR 

1880—1887 

The Year of Jubilee.— April 6, 1880, was just fifty 
years from the day of the organization of the Church. On this 
date and the three succeeding days, the fiftieth annual con- 
ference of the Church was held in the tabernacle, Salt Lake 
City. Preliminary meetings were also held on the 4th and 
5th. All the members of the council of the apostles were 
present, excepting George Q. Cannon, who was in Wash- 
ington representing Utah as delegate in Congress. Presi- 
dent John Taylor drew attention to the fact that this was 
the jubilee year of the Church, and referred to the cus- 
tom which prevailed in old Israel, as set forth in the 
twenty-fifth chapter of Leviticus. It was proposed that it 
be made a year of jubilee and forgiveness in the Church. 
The Church set the example by striking off one half the 
indebtedness held by the Perpetual Emigration Fund Com- 
pany, against individuals classed as worthy poor, amount- 
ing to the sum of $802,000. One thousand cows and five 
thousand sheep were also distributed among the needy. The 
Saints were advised to be charitable and liberal in their 
dealing with one another. The sum of $75,899, in unpaid 
tithing, one half the amount due, was remitted against the 
Saints who were unable to meet their obligation. It was 
proposed that the Relief Society lend to the farmers, who 
had suffered loss because of drouth the year before, 34,- 
761 bushels of wheat which they had on hand. This was 
to be repaid by the farmers, without interest, at the close 
of the next harvest. "If you find people owing you who 
are distressed, if you will go to work and try to relieve 
them as much as you can, under the circumstances, God 
will relieve you when you get into difficulties," said Presi- 



588 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

dent Taylor. "I will tell you that," he added, "in the 
name of the Lord. Let us act on a kind, generous, brother- 
ly principle, doing good one to another and carrying out 
the principles of the everlasting Gospel in our lives." 

The Pioneer Day Celebration. — The spirit of the ju- 
bilee was carried through the year, and was again made 
manifest in a marked manner at the celebration on pioneer 
day, July 24, 1880. There was a long pageant, which 
paraded through the streets of Salt Lake City, and on 
three of the floats were natives from twenty-five countries, 
representing the people who had been gathered through 
the preaching of the Gospel. A banner was also carried 
upon which the inscription was written: "I will gather 
you out from all nations." Exercises were held in the tab- 
ernacle and patriotic speeches were made. Utah had a 
population at that time of 143,690, showing an increase of 
nearly 60,000 in the past decade. The great majority of 
these were members of the Church. 

President Taylor's Prediction. — At this celebration 
President Taylor gave utterance to the following pre- 
diction: "There are events in the future, and not very far 
ahead, that will require all our faith, all our energy, all our 
confidence, all our trust in God, to enable us to withstand 
the influences that will be brought to bear against us. * * * 
We cannot trust in our intelligence; we cannot trust in 
our wealth ; we cannot trust to any surrounding circum- 
stances with which we are enveloped; we must trust alone 
in the living God to guide us, to direct us, to lead us, to 
teach us and to instruct us. And there never was a time 
when we needed to be more humble and more prayerful ; 
there never was a time when we needed more fidelity, self- 
denial, and adherence to the principles of truth, than we 
do this day." 

Re-organization of the First Presidency. — At the gen- 
eral semi-annual conference held in October, 1880, reports 
were made of the distribution of the cattle, sheep and other 
substance, which was voted on at the April conference, A 



ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN TAYLOR 589 



time of great rejoicing was had and on the last day (10th) 
the First Presidency was again re-organized with John 
Taylor as President of the Church, and George Q. Cannon 
and Joseph F. Smith as his first and second counselor, 
respectively. Elders Francis M. Lyman and John Henry 
Smith were called to the apostleship, leaving one vacancy 
unfilled. The voting was done by quorums, as it was at 
the sustaining of President Young, beginning with the apos- 
tles; second, the patriarchs, presidents of 'stakes and 
counselors, and high councils ; third, the high priests ; 
fourth, the seventies; fifth, the elders; sixth, the bishops 
and their counselors ; seventh, the lesser priesthood — priests, 
teachers, deacons; eighth, the presidents of various quor- 
ums, and last the whole congregation. 

Death of Orson Pratt— Calling of Elders Teasdale 
and Grant. — Orson Pratt, the last surviving member of 
the original council of apostles, died in Salt Lake City, 
October 3, 1881. Elder 
Pratt possessed a remark- 
able analytical mind, and 
was one of the world's 
great mathematicians. His 
discourses and writings on 
the Gospel are clear and 
convincing. With all his 
learning he was humble 
and unassuming, having 
perfect assurance in the di- 
vinity of the mission of 
Joseph Smith. 

In October, 1882, El- 
ders George Teasdale and 
Heber J. Grant were called 
to the apostleship by reve- 
lation given through Presi- 
dent John Taylor. Elder 
Seymour B. Young was al- george q. cannon 




590 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



so called to be one of the seven presidents of the seventies.- 1 
This revelation was given October 13, 1882, and the brethren 
were ordained three days later. The Lord, in this reve- 
lation, called upon the various quorums of the Priesthood 
to arise and purify themselves, and for the members to 
magnify their callings. The Saints were commanded to 
set their houses in order that they might be purged from 







LOGAN TEMPLE 

sin. The prediction was made that eventually Zion should be 
established and the nations shall yet acknowledge the Lord. 
Dedication of the Logan Temple. — The Logan Tem- 
ple — the second structure of the kind built in Utah — was 
dedicated May 17, 1884, under the direction of President 



°For a complete list 'giving information regarding the 
apostles and other presiding brethren, see appendix. 



ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN TAYLOR 591 

John Taylor, who offered the dedicatory prayer. The site 
for the temple was dedicated May 17, 1877, by Orson 
Pratt. The work of excavation was begun May 28, and 
the laying of rock in July following. September 19, 1877, 
the corner stones were laid, the order of temple-building 
being followed. The dedicatory services in 1884, which 
lasted three days, were very solemn and impressive, and 
the Saints rejoiced that another house of the Lord had been 
built, where work for the salvation of the living and the 
dead could be performed. 

Anti-"Mormon" Legislation Agitated. — During the 
eighties there appeared to be a united effort on the part 
of the press and the denominational ministers to force 
legislation against the Latter-day Saints. The chief in- 
stigators of this campaign were anti-' 'Mormon" residents 
of Utah, with the aid of their organ, the Salt Lake Tribune. 
President Rutherford B. Hayes, who was imposed upon by 
this agitation, in a message to Congress in December, 1879, 
and again in 1880, referred to the "Mormon" question and 
plural marriage. President Garfield made similar reference 
in his inaugural address, and after the assassination of Gar- 
field, President Arthur took the matter up in his first 
message to Congress. 

Bitterness of "Christian" Ministers. — The bitterness 
of the times was expressed by the Chicago "Interior," a 
Presbyterian paper in the summer of 1881, as follows: 

"Let the lands and tenements of the Mormons be thrown 
open to original entry by civilized settlers. * * * Let it be 
understood that the army will keep out of the way in Utah 
for four years, and that the use and occupation of Mormon 
property for one year is to give a preemption title. There 
are enough young men in the West and South, who are 
seeking homes, to finish up the pest, fumigate the Terri- 
tory, and to establish themselves in ninety days after the 
word 'go' is given." 

In consonance with this "Christian" spirit, the Rev. J. H. 
Peters, at Dayton, in October, 1881, said to his congrega- 



592 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

tion: "I would that the guns of Fort Douglas were turned 
upon them [the "Mormons"] and they made loyal by 
this means if by no other. " Falsehoods of the deepest hue 
were also uttered. The notorious T. De Witt Talmage, 
for instance, circulated the false report that the assassin 
of President Garfield was a "Mormon," and the Latter- 
day Saints were wickedly accused by this reverend, and 
others, of holding meetings and rejoicing because of the 
President's death. 

The Edmunds Bill. — The result of all this agitation 
was the passing of a law in March, 1882, by Congress, 
amending the law of 1862. It was known as the Edmunds 
Law, because it was introduced into the senate by George 
F. Edmunds of Vermont. This measure not only made 
punishable the contracting of plural marriage, but also 
polygamous living, which was designated as "unlawful co- 
habitation." The punishment for contracting a plural mar- 
riage remained the same as in the law of 1862 — a fine of 
five hundred dollars or imprisonment for five years, or both, 
in the discretion of the court. 

The President of the United States was authorized to 
grant amnesty to those who had entered into plural marriage 
before the passage of this bill, under certain conditions 
and limitations, and their children born before January 1, 
1883, were legitimated. 

"No polygamist, bigamist, or any person cohabiting with 
more than one woman, and no woman cohabiting with any 
of the persons described as aforesaid * * * shall be entitled 
to vote at any election * * * hold any office or place of 
public trust, honor or emolument, in, under, or for any 
such Territory or place, or under the United States," was 
declared in this bill. Of course this was not intended to 
apply to "Gentiles" who "cohabited" with more than one 
woman, outside of the marriage relation, and such — and 
Utah had them — were shielded by the officers of the law. 
Moreover, the mere belief in the doctrine of plural marriage 
was sufficient to bar a person from jury service. 






ADMINISTRATION OF IOHN TAYLOR 593 

All registration and election offices were declared va- 
cant, and provision was made for a commission of five per- 
sons to be appointed by the President, and with the consent of 
the senate, to attend to the duty of registration of voters, 
canvassing the returns of elections for members of the 
territorial legislature, and issue certificates, or other evi- 
dence of election, until otherwise provided by law. They 
were to be paid three thousand dollars a year, and to con- 
tinue in office until the legislature, elected and qualified 
under the Edmunds Law, should provide for filling the 
offices as authorized by the statute. 

Self Government Denied. — By this law, local self- 
government was annihilated in Utah, contrary to all the 
guarantees granted to free people since the days of the 
framing of the government of the United States, if not 
since the days of King John. Following in the wake of this 
legislation there was conducted a crusade against the ''Mor- 
mon" people without a parallel in the history of the United 
States. 

The Utah Commission. — The five commissioners ap- 
pointed through the Edmunds Law, arrived in Utah, Aug- 
ust, 18, 1882. They were : Alexander Ramsy, of Minne- 
sota, chairman ; Algernon S. Paddock, of Nebraska ; George 
L. Godfrey, of Iowa; Ambrose B. Carlton, of Indiana; and 
James R. Pettigrew, of Arkansas, with Arthur L. Thomas, 
secretary. They immediately set to work on the duties 
assigned them, and appointed registrars for the November 
election, in a manner most unjust to the "Mormon" people. 
Eight of the registrars, out of twenty-four, were members 
of the Church, yet the "Mormon" population was in excess of 
120,000, and the "Gentile" population — including apostates 
and others classed as "doubtful" was approximately 23,000 
The commissioners also published rules for the guidance of 
the registrars and the government of election judges, which 
were manifestly unfair and beyond the scope of the law, 
which was done to disfranchise a large portion of the "Mor- 
mon" population. 

39 



594 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

The Test Oath. — Perhaps the most abominable and 
shameful thing they did was to prepare the following 
"test oath:" 

County of 1 

Territory of Utah, j ss - 

I , being first duly sworn (or affirmed), 

depose and say that I am over twenty-one years of age, 
and have resided in the Territory of Utah for six months, 
and in the precinct of one month im- 
mediately preceding the date hereof, and (if a male) am 
a native born or naturalized (as the case may be) citizen 
of the United States and a taxpayer in this Territory, or 
(if a female), I am native born, or naturalized, or the wife, 
widow or daughter (as the case may be) of a native born 
or naturalized citizen of the' jUnited States; ajnd I do 
further solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am not a biga- 
mist or a polygamist; that I am not a violator of the laws 
of the United States prohibiting bigamy or polygamy; that 
I do not live or cohabit with more than one woman in the 
marriage relation, nor does any relation exist between me 
and any woman which has been entered into or continued in 
violation of the said laws of the United States prohibiting 
bigamy or polygamy; and (if a woman) that I am not the 
wife of a polygamist, nor have I entered into any relation 
with any man in violation of the laws of the United States 
concerning polygamy or bigamy. 

Subscribed and sworn before me this day of 

, 1882. 

Registration Officer Precinct. 

Careful Wording of the Oath. — The expression "I 
do not live or cohabit with more than one woman in the 
marriage relation," was so placed as were other clauses 
to apply against the "Mormons" only. The "Mormon" press 
and preachers drew attention to this feature of the oath 
which denied to the "Mormon polygamist," but permitted 
the "Gentile libertine," the right to vote. The admission 
was commonly made that the Edmunds Law was prepared 
solely against the "Mormons" and not to apply to the im- 



ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN TAYLOR 595 

moralities of the "Gentiles." This led the First Presidency 
in an address to the Saints in August, 1882, to say that 
they regretted that men of high positions would take that 
view of the law ; but they perceived "with unmixed satis- 
faction" the sharp distinction the oath drew between mar- 
riage and licentiousness. 

The Law made Retroactive. — Another infamous rul- 
ing was that any person who had lived in the plural mar- 
riage state, but was then not living in that relation, was 
denied the right of franchise; and this was interpreted to 
apply to those who had thus married even before the law 
of 1862. For instance, if a man had married two wives in 
1850, before any law against plural marriage was enacted, 
and both wives had died before the law was passed; the 
commission ruled that he was a "'polygamist" notwith- 
standing he had no wife living, and denied him the right to 
vote. "Once a polygamist always a polygamist," was the 
common expression. Other rulings and actions, contrary 
to the law, but intended to annoy and disfranchise the mem- 
bers of the Church, that the minority might rule, were at- 
tempted, among them denial to the women of their suffrage. 

A Campaign of Persecution. — From this time forth 
until the close of President John Taylor's administration, 
and beyond, the government of the United States carried 
on a campaign of prosecution, that was relentless and even 
cruel, against all members of the Church who had married 
plural wives. Men were punished, not for contracting plural 
marriage since the passage of the law, but for "unlawful 
cohabitation;" federal officers hunted men and women and 
dragged them before selected grand juries, where they were 
shamefully insulted. Even small children did not escape, 
but were forced to testify and answer improper and inde- 
cent questions, with the object in view of obtaining evidence 
against their parents ; and this was done with threats of 
dire punishment and contempt of court, if they refused. 
Such actions partook too much of the days of the Spanish 
inquisition. Paid spies — men of debased character — were 



596 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

employed to gather evidence. Among those who sat on 
juries to judge the "morals" of the "Mormon" people, were 
those who were recreant to every law of decency. The petty 
officers and the judges of the courts carried on a reign of 
terror in their determination to stamp out the practice of 
plural marriage, and it appeared that the greatest crime in 
the world was for a man to acknowledge honestly that he 
was the husband of more than one wife, and that he dili- 
gently and faithfully supported them and their children; 
while for the libertine and the harlot there was protection 
by officers of the law. 

President Taylor's Statement. — At the general con- 
ference of the Church in April, 1882, President John Taylor 
spoke of the approachiug storm. "While the excitement 
lasts," said he, "it is useless to reason with the world ; when 
it subsides we can talk to them." He also expressed the 
views of the Latter-day Saints when he said; "We do not 
wish to place ourselves in a state of antagonism, nor act 
defiantly, toward this government. We will fulfil the 
letter, so far as practicable, of that unjust, inhuman, op- 
pressive, and unconstitutional law. * * * But we cannot 
sacrifice every principle of human right. * * * While we 
are God-fearing and law-abiding, and respect all honorable 
men and officers, we are no craven serfs, and have not 
learned to lick the feet of oppressors, nor to bow in base 
submission to unreasonable clamor. We will contend, inch 
by inch, legally and constitutionally, for our rights as 
American citizens." So sore became the persecution that 
hundreds of homes were broken up and husbands and fath- 
ers were sent to the penitentiary for the offense of "unlaw- 
ful cohabitation." 

A Tribune Canard. — To add to the evil of the times 
the circulation of false and malicious reports increased, 
and the Latter-day Saints were portrayed as the vilest of 
the vile. The result of this was continued persecution of 
the elders in the mission fields. 

One of these abusive and lying canards appeared in 



ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN TAYLOR 597 

the Salt Lake Tribune, March 16, 1884. It purported to 
be the disloyal utterances of "Bishop West, of Juab." 
There was no Bishop West, and the falsehood was ex- 
posed. When the Tribune was caught red handed in its 
lying, it very reluctantly admitted the falsehood, but added 
that the report sounded like what was going on all the 
time. Articles of this kind were constantly appearing, and 
the members of the Church were repeatedly insulted and 
abused with the hope that some overt act might be com- 
mitted through unendurable provocation, and thus occasion 
be made against the Church for its destruction. However, 
the persecuted people bore the insults without giving cause 
for such diabolical action. 

The Canard the Cause of Murder.— The "Bishop 
West" hoax might have been forgotten if the falsehood had 
ended with the exposure of the Tribune story, but, un- 
fortunately, it was circulated in Tennessee by a Reverend 
Vandevere, of Lewis County, who made it an occasion 
to attack the Saints in the South, and arouse the populace 
against them. He had been duly advised of the nature of 
the falsehood, but that made no difference; he continued 
to repeat the story. The result of this circulation of the 
Tribune's falsehood, was the enacting of a tragedy, at Cane 
Creek, Lewis County, Tennessee, of a most shocking 
character. 

The Tennessee Massacre. — It happened Sunday, 
August 10, 1884. That morning a number of elders and 
Saints met at the home of James Condor for religious 
worship. While the small congregation was assembling a 
mob of masked ruffians invaded the premises and shot and 
killed Elders John H. Gibbs, of Paradise, and William S. 
Berry, of Kanarra, and -also two young men, Martin Con- 
dor and John Riley Hudson, who were not members of the 
Church, but who attempted to protect the elders. Young 
Hudson, securing his gun, shot and killed the leader of the 
mob, one David Hinson, but Hinson's followers returned 
the fire, mortally wounding the young man who died about 



598 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

one hour later. Because of this retaliation the mob re- 
turned and poured a fire into the house through the win- 
dows, seriously wounding Mrs. Condor, and riddling the 
body of Elder Berry. They then secured the body of their 
leader and made off. Two other missionaries, Elders Wil- 
liam H. Jones and Henry Thompson, escaped. 

Elder Roberts Secures the Bodies of the Slain. — Elder 
B. H. Roberts was at Chattanooga, in charge of the mission 
in the absence of President John Morgan, who was in Salt 
Lake City. At the peril of his own life he went forth 
and secured the bodies of the missionaries and had them 
forwarded to Utah, where the "Mormon" people were in 
mourning. The bodies of the slain elders were interred at 
their home towns, but public funeral services were also 
held in Salt Lake City, August 24, 1884. 

Governor Murray to Governor Bate. — Governor EJi 
H. Murray, of Utah, was so filled with animus against the 
Latter-day Saints that it was impossible for him to com- 
municate with Governor W. B. Bate, of Tennessee, regard- 
ing the massacre, without abuse of the Latter-day Saints. 
Governor Bate offered a reward for the detection and arrest 
of the murderers. Evidently fearing that they might be 
caught and punished, Governor Murray, without any reason 
or excuse, sent a dispatch to the governor of Tennessee in 
which he said: "Lawlessness in Tennessee and Utah are 
alike reprehensible, but the murdered Mormon agents in 
Tennessee were sent from here as they have been for years 
by the representatives of organized crime, and I submit that 
as long as Tennessee representatives in Congress are, to 
say the least, indifferent to the punishment of offenders 
against the national law in Utah, such cowardly outrages 
by their constituents as the killing of emigration agents 
sent there from here will continue." 

The Trial of Rudger Clawson. — Charles S. Zane be- 
came chief justice of Utah in 1884. He came to the 
territory, August 23, of that year. He was a man whose 
moral life was above reproach, but he was possessed of an 



ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN TAYLOR 599 

intolerant spirit, and was determined to conduct a strict en- 
forcement of the Edmunds Law. The first case to be 
tried under that law came before his court October 15, 1884. 
It was the case of Rudger Clawson, who was found guilty, 
and when asked by the court if he had any legal cause to 
show why judgment should not be pronounced he replied: 

"Your honor, I very much regret that the laws of my 
country should come in conflict with the laws of God; but 
whenever they do, I shall invariably choose the latter. If 
I did not so express myself, I should feel unworthy of the 
cause I represent. The constitution of the United States 
expressly says that Congress shall make no law respecting an 
establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise 
thereof. (It cannot be denied I think, that marriage, when 
attended and sanctioned by religious rites and ceremonies, 
is an establishment of religion.) The law of 1862 and the 
Edmunds Law were expressly designed to operate against 
marrriage as practiced and believed in by the Latter-day 
Saints. They are therefore unconstitutional, and of course 
cannot command the respect that a constitutional law would. 
That is all I have to say, your honor." 

The speech was characteristic of the man. It was bold, 
sincere, but not defiant. It struck the judge with amaze- 
ment and he determined on a heavy penalty. It was the 
third day of November when Elder Clawson was before the 
court. He was sentenced to pay a fine of eight hundred 
dollars and imprisonment for four years. Elder Clawson 
remained in prison until December 12, 1887 — three years, 
one month and ten days — when he received a pardon from 
President Grover Cleveland. 

The Segregation Ruling. — Following this trial there 
was inaugurated a cruel and determined persecution. 
Women were sent to prison for contempt because they 
would not testify against their husbands. The courts ruled 
that indictments might be found against a man guilty of 
cohabitation "for every day." To be seen at the home 
of a plural wife, or to support his plural family, was suf- 



600 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

ficient to create an offense against a man. Each "distinct 
and separate violation of the law," as interpreted by the 
judges, was a separate offense and was liable for punish- 
ment. 

This order of segregation, as it was called, drove many 
of the leading brethren into exile, for it was virtually an 
announcement that the violation of the Edmunds Law could 
be punished by life imprisonment. Later, however, while 
the supreme court of the United States upheld the Ed- 
munds Law, it condemned the action of the judges in Utah 
in establishing the "segregation" policy. This came in the 
habeas corpus case of Elder Lorenzo Snow in February, 
1887. While, however, this ruling was being enforced, the 
First Presidency were in retirement and communicated with 
the Saints from time to time in general epistles. 

Sincerity of the "Mormon" People.— With all the 

severity practiced against the "Mormon" people under the 
Edmunds Law, yet it did not satisfy the enemies of the 
Church. Without question many of the law makers had 
imputed to the Latter-day Saints impure motives in the 
practice of plural marriage. They now discovered through 
the prosecutions, which fell into the category of persecu- 
tions, that it was a matter of the most sincere and sacred 
character. Nevertheless they were determined to put an 
end to the practice. Heavier penalties did not seem to 
avail, for the members of the Church accepted plural mar- 
riage as a sacred religious rite, commanded by the 
Lord, and they would rather die than break their cov- 
enants. The actions of the government they looked upon 
as unconstitutional and an attack upon their religious duties, 
and while they desired to be, and were, loyal to the country, 
at the same time they desired to be loyal to their God. 

The Edmunds-Tucker Law. — In March, 1887, Con- 
gress passed a supplemental act known as the Edmunds- 
Tucker Law. President Grover Cleveland neither approved 
nor disapproved of the act, so it became a law without his 
signature. Among the many features of this measure were 



ADMINISTRATION OF JOHN TAYLOR 601 

the disincorporation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- 
day Saints, and the dissolving of the Perpetual Emigra- 
tion Fund Company, the property of which was escheated to 
the government of the United States for the benefit of 
the common schools of Utah. Female suffrage was abol- 
ished. It was made the duty of the attorney general of 
the United States to proceed against the Church and wind 
up its affairs and the title to all property — except that 
"no building or grounds appurtenant thereto held and oc- 
cupied exclusively for the purpose of the worship of God, 
or parsonage, or burial ground shall be forfeited." — be 
transferred and escheated to the United States. 

Proceedings in Escheatment. — At the instance of the 
attorney general of the United States, suits were filed July 
30, 1887, against the Church, and the Perpetual Emigration 
Fund Company, and their property was confiscated. Novem- 
ber 5, 1887, United States Marshal Dyer was appointed re- 
ceiver, and took charge of the real and personal property 
of the Church to control it. 

While this infamous measure was before Congress there 
were many brave men who stood up in the face of the 
popular clamor and almost united vindictiveness and hatred 
of the Church, and denounced the high-handed proceedings. 
Such also had been the case when previous legislation was 
enacted. 

The government very graciously permitted the Church 
to occupy the tithing office and historian's office, at a yearly 
rental of $2,400; and the Gardo house at $450 a month. 
The Temple Block was also retained by the payment of a 
stipulated rent. All this happened in the United States in 
the year 1887, not in Spain or Holland in the dark ages or 
the days of the Inquisition. 

Death of President John Taylor.— Early in the year 
1887, because of persecution, President John Taylor and his 
counselors were forced into exile. The trials and diffi- 
culties through which the Church was passing weighed 
heavily upon the venerable President.. He did not live to 



602 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

see the final delivery of the Church property into the hands 
of a receiver. He died in exile July 25, 1887, at the home 
of Thomas F. Roueche, at Kaysville, Davis County, Utah, 
a martyr to the cause of truth which he espoused. At the 
time of his passing his counselors were with him. His life 
had been one of trial and suffering. He was a heroic 
character, strong in his convictions, just in his dealings, un- 
compromising with evil. It is proper here to quote the 
words of his counselors at the time of his death : 

"President John Taylor has been killed by the cruelty 
of officials who have, in this territory, misrepresented the 
government of the United States. There is no room to 
doubt that if he had been permitted to enjoy the comforts 
of home, the ministrations of his family, the exercise to 
which he had been accustomed, but of which he was de- 
prived, he might have lived for many years yet. His blood 
stains the clothes of men, who with insensate hate have of- 
fered rewards for his arrest and have hounded him to the 
grave. History will yet call their deeds by their right 
names" (Life of John Taylor — Roberts, p. 414). 



CHAPTER 51 



THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT 

WILFORD WOODRUFF 

1887—1898 

Changes in Leadership. — Following the death of 
President Taylor the duty of presidency again devolved upon 
the council of the apostles, 
Counselors Cannon and 
Smith resuming their places 
with the twelve. The 
apostles continued to act in 
that position until the April 
conference in 1889, when 
the First Presidency was 
again organized with Wil- 
ford Woodruff as Presi- 
dent. He selected George 
Q. Cannon and Joseph F. 
Smith as his counselors. 
At the time of this organi- 
zation President Woodruff 
was 82 years of age, but 
hale and vigorous. He was 
born in Farmington, Hart- 
ford County, Connecticut, 
March 1, 1807; was bap- 
tized December 31, 1833, 
and ordained an apostle 

April 26, 1839. President Woodruff was a natural mis- 
sionary and accomplished a great work in England and 
various parts of the United States. 

The vacancies in the council of the twelve were not 
filled until the October conference in 1889, when Marriner 
W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund and Abraham H. Cannon 
were called and ordained apostles. 




WILFORD WOODRUFF 



604 



ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 




MANTI TEMPLE 



Dedication of the Manti Temple. — The temple at 
Manti, Sanpete County, was dedicated May 21, 1888, Elder 
Lorenzo Snow offering the prayer. The services were re- 
peated the two succeeding days. This was the third temple 
to be dedicated in Utah. The site was chosen in Tune, 1875, 
by President Brigham Young, and the excavation was be- 
gun in April, 1877. The corner stones were laid April 14, 
1879, with the usual fitting ceremonies. The building is 
situated on a hill north-east of the city and is an imposing 
structure. 

The Crusade Continues. — The crusade against those 



ADMINISTRATION OF WILPORD WOODRUFF 60S 

who had entered plural marriage continued after the death 
of President Taylor, but in some respects with less severity. 
President Grover Cleveland pardoned a number of the im- 
prisoned men against whom the courts had been extremely 
severe. * These included Joseph H. Evans, a man of seveniy, 
Charles Livingston and Rudger Clawson. From this time 
on there was a more tolerant attitude manifested by some 
of the officers. Nevertheless the government continued 
with unyielding determination to suppress plural marriage, 
and more drastic legislation was proposed by Congress. 

The Crusade in Idaho. — In Idaho the anti-"Mormon" 
feeling was intense. One officer — who afterwards was hon- 
ored with the position of United States senator from Idaho 
— declared that he had selected "a jury that would convict 
Jesus Christ." Nor was this blasphemous expression the 
only one uttered in that campaign. Men were hounded and 
treated in an inhuman manner, and the boast was that "Mor- 
mons" would be convicted with or without evidence before 
the courts. 

The Idaho territorial legislature passed a law in 1885, 
containing the "Idaho test oath," which disfranchised all 
members of the Church. It provided that electors should 
swear that they were neither polygamists nor members of 
an organization which taught, advised or encouraged the 
practice of polygamy. The supreme court of the United 
States sustained this law in a decision given February 3, 
1890. It was enough to deprive a person of the franchise 
simply to declare that he was a member of the Church. 

The Strubble Bill. — The enemies of the Church in 
Utah were greatly elated over this decision of the supreme 
court in the "Idaho test oath" law. They knew that no 
legislature in Utah would pass such a measure, but they had 
hopes that Congress would, and thus the great majority of 
the people of Utah would be disfranchised and their enemies 
be placed in control. A bill called the Strubble Bill, follow- 
ing the lines of the Idaho law was presented in Congress 
in 1890. Robert N. Baskin, who was as bitter against the 



606 ESSENTIALS iM CHURCH HISTORY 

Saints as it was possible for him to be, brazenly declared 
that the object was "to wrest from the hands of the Priest- 
hood the political power which it had wrongfully usurped 
and shamefully abused." General John A. McClernand, of 
the Utah Commission, refused to be a party to such wicked- 
ness, and made a separate report condemning the proposed 
high-handed legislation. This bill never became a law for 
several reasons. Many of the conservative non-"Mormons" 
of Utah opposed the measure as being detrimental to the 
interests of the territory, and petitioned Congress not to 
pass it. Secretary of State James G. Blaine, used his in- 
fluence to defeat the measure for political reasons, but 
insisted that the Church do something to relieve the situ- 
ation. 

President Woodruff's Manifesto. — While the Saints 
were in the midst of all these difficulties and afflictions, 
President Wilford Woodruff sought the Lord for relief. 
In answer to his earnest pleadings and constant petitions, 
the word of the Lord came to him in a revelation suspend- 
ing the practice of plural marriage. The Latter-day Saints, 
with the feeling that the anti-polygamy legislation was a re- 
striction of their religious rights, contested every move made 
by the government. When the supreme court sustained these 
laws, there was nothing left for the Church to do but sub- 
mit or stand as violators of the law. They have never felt 
that the action of the courts were just, nor did they feel 
that it was within their power to suspend a commandment 
given to them by revelation from the Lord. The "manifesto" 
of President Woodruff brought relief. The people had 
done their duty. The Lord gave them the commandment 
and only he could authorize its suspension. President Wood- 
ruff, writing in his journal September 25, 1890 said : 

"I have arrived at a point in the history of my life as 
the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints where I am under the necessity of acting for the 
temporal salvation of the Church. The United States gov- 
ernment has taken a stand and passed laws to destroy the 



ADMINISTRATION OF WlLFORD WOODRUFF 607 

Latter-day Saints on the subject of polygamy or patriarchal 
marriage, and after praying to the Lord and feeling in- 
spired, I have issued the following proclamation which is 
sustained by my counselors and the twelve apostles." 

The same day the manifesto was published as follows : 
"official declaration." 

"To Whom it May Concern : 

"Press dispatches having been sent for political purposes 
from Salt Lake City, which have been widely published, to 
the effect that the Utah Commission, in their recent report 
to the secretary of the interior, alleged that plural marriages 
are still being solemnized, and that forty or more such mar- 
riages have been contracted in Utah since last June or dur- 
ing the past year : also that in public discourses the leaders 
of the Church have taught, encouraged, and urged the con- 
tinuance of the practice of polygamy; 

"I, therefore, as President of the Church of Jesus Christ 
of Latter-day Saints, do hereby, in the most solemn manner, 
declare that these charges are false. We are not teaching 
polygamy or plural marriage, nor permitting any person to 
enter into its practice, and I deny that either forty or any 
other number of plural marriages have during that period 
been solemnized in our temples or in any other place in the 
territory. 

"'One case has been reported in which the parties al- 
leged that the marriage was performed in the Endowment 
House, in Salt Lake City, in the spring of 1889, but I have 
not been able to learn who performed the ceremony. What- 
ever was done in this matter was without my knowledge. 
In consequence of this alleged occurrence, the Endowment 
House was, by my instruction, taken down without delay. 

"Inasmuch as laws have been enacted by Congress, for- 
bidding plural marriages, which laws have been pronounced 
constitutional by the court of the Last Resort, I hereby 
declare my intention to submit to those laws, and to use my 
influence with the members of the Church over which I 
preside to have them do likewise. 

"There is nothing in my teachings to the Church, or 
in those of my associates, during the time specified, which 



608 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

can be reasonably qonstrued (to inculcate or encourage 
polygamy, and when any elder of the Church has used 
language which appeared to convey any such teaching, he 
has been promptly reproved. And I now publicly declare 
that my advice to the Latter-day Saints is to refrain from 
contracting any marriage forbidden by the law of the land. 

"Wilford Woodruff." 
"President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints." 

The Manifesto Sustained. — At the conference of the 
Church held in October following, the manifesto was pre- 
sented to the congregation and on motion by President 
Lorenzo Snow of the council of the apostles, was accepted 
by the Latter-day Saints by unanimous vote. Thus it be- 
came binding upon the members of the Church. 

Following this action President George Q. Cannon de- 
livered a discourse, reviewing the history of the anti-ployg- 
amy legislation and justified the action of President Wood- 
ruff on the following grounds : First, when a commandment 
is given to the children of men, and they are hindered by 
their enemies, the Lord accepts their offering. Second, the 
authority which gave the commandment had the right to 
revoke. In the course of his remarks he quoted verses 49 
and 50 of section 124 in the Doctrine and Covenants. 

President Woodruff followed the remarks of President 
Cannon and in part said: 

"I want to say to all Israel that the step which I have 
taken in issuing this manifesto has not been done without 
earnest prayer before the Lord. * * * I am not ignorant of 
the feelings that have been engendered through the course 
I have pursued. But I have done my duty, and the nation 
of which we form a part must be responsible for that which 
has been done in relation to this principle. 

"The Lord has required at our hands many things that 
we have not done, many things that we were prevented 
from doing. The Lord required us to build a temple in 
Jackson County. We were prevented by violence from doing 
it. * * * It is not wisdom for us to go forth and carry out 



ADMINISTRATION OF WlLFORD WOODRUFF 609 

this principle against the laws of the nation. * * * The Lord 
has given us commandments concerning many things, and 
we have carried them out as far as we could ; but when we 
cannot do it, we are justified. * * * The Lord will never 
permit me or any other man who stands as the President of 
this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the program. 
It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, 
the Lord would move me out of my place." 

Result of the Manifesto. — Following the issuance of 
the manifesto the sentiment grew that those who had en- 
tered into plural marriages before that date should not be 
interfered with, and men were not to be compelled to 
desert their wives and children. In time the two political 
parties, the "People's Party" composed mostly of members 
of the Church, and the "Liberal Party" composed of the 
enemies of the Church, disbanded, and the people joined 
the two great national parties, the Democrats and Republi- 
cans, without regard to religious affiliation. However, the 
more rabid anti-"Mormons" held on to their animosities 
and organization until the opposition to them among non- 
"Mormons" was so great that they could resist no longer. 

The Granting of Amnesty. — December 19, 1891, the 
First Presidency and apostles petitioned for amnesty. This 
petition was endorsed by the governor, Arthur L. Thomas, 
and Charles S. Zane, who had again become chief justice, 
and many leading "Gentiles." It was read before the sen- 
ate committee on territories and became a part of the pub- 
lished record of that body. President Benjamin Harrison, 
who a short time before had visited Utah, on January 4, 
1893, issued a proclamation of amnesty to polygamists for 
past offenses, limited to those who entered into that relation 
before November 1, 1890. The Utah commission, acting 
on the pardon of the President, ruled that the restrictions 
against voters in the territory should be removed. 

Laying the Capstone and Dedication of the Salt Lake 
Temple. — One of the great events in the history of the 
Latter-day Saints was the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple, 

40 



610 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 




SALT LAKE TEMPLE 



April 6, 1893. As previously stated the corner stones were 
laid forty years before — April 6, 1853. The capstone had 
been laid April 6, 1892, by President Wilford Woodruff, 
in the presence of a vast congregation numbering about 
forty thousand people. After the announcement from the 
architect from the top of the building that the capstone was 
ready, President Woodruff stepped before the people and 
said: 



ADMINISTRATION OF WILFORD WOODRUFF 611 

"Attention, all the House of Israel, and all ye nations of 
the earth. We will now lay the top stone of the Temple of 
our God, the foundation of which was laid and dedicated 
by the prophet, seer and revelator, Brigham Young." 

He then pressed an electric button and the stone was 
laid. A mighty shout, of "Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna! 
to God and the Lamb! Amen! Amen! Amen!" under the 
direction of President Lorenzo Snow, went up from the 
people and was repeated three times. 

The dedicatory services, which commenced April 6, 1893, 
continued several days, and each day the prayer was re- 
peated, for the benefit of the great number of members 
of the Church who, because of the limited space, could not 
attend the first services in the building. The ceremonies 
were impressive and many of the Saints saw visions of 
heavenly beings and other manifestations during the dedi- 
cation. 

The Tabernacle Choir at the World's Fair.— At the 
World's Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago in 1893, 
the Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir entered the competition in 
the great choral contest which took place early in Septem- 
ber, and were successful in winning the second prize. It 
was the general opinion of those who heard the contest that 
if it had not been for prejudice they would have received 
the first honors. On their way to Chicago and returning 
the choir gave concerts in the large cities, which was a means 
of allaying much prejudice against the Church. 

The Church and the Parliament of Religions. — Dur- 
ing this Exposition at Chicago, a World's Parliament of 
Religions was held, commencing September 11. The 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was not in- 
vited to participate, but the Church authorities deemed it 
proper to seek representation and steps to that end were 
taken. Elder Brigham H. Roberts, of the first council of 
seventies, was selected to represent the Church at the 
parliament. When he requested the privilege of taking part 
and of speaking before that assembly, where Christians, 



612 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Mohammedans, Jews and Pagans, had been given a public 
hearing, the privilege was denied him. The manifestation 
of bigotry was very marked, and the Church was given to 
understand it was "not of the world." Elder Roberts was 
granted the privilege of delivering a paper in one of the 
committee rooms which would seat about fifty persons. 
This privilege Elder Roberts very properly declined. The 
matter did not end there, however, as Elder Roberts took 
the matter up in the press, and the bigotry of the officials 
of the parliament was exposed, and the Church was bene- 
fited by the advertisement thus received. 

Statehood for Utah. — Delegate Joseph L. Rawlins of 
Utah presented a bill in the house of representatives, Sep- 
tember 6, 1893, entitled "An Act to Enable the People of 
Utah to Form a Constitution and State Government and to 
be Admitted into the Union on an Equal Footing with the 
Original States." The bill met some opposition, one con- 
gressman (Morse of Massachusetts) declaring the people 
of Utah were "criminals and vagabonds." The bill, how- 
ever, passed the house, December 13, 1893, and the senate 
in July, 1894, and was signed by President Grover Cleve- 
land. Utah had made several attempts to obtain statehood 
and several constitutional conventions had been held, but 
the opposition against the "Mormon" people each time de- 
feated the endeavor. Now both "Mormons" and non-"Mor- 
mons" supported the movement, which was successful. 

The Constitutional Convention. — In the election held 
November 6, 1894, for delegates to the constitutional con- 
vention, the Republicans were successful. The constitutional 
convention met March 4, 1895, in Salt Lake City, and or- 
ganized by electing John Henry Smith, a member of the 
council of twelve apostles, as president. "Mormons" and 
"Gentiles" who had opposed each other in the past sat side 
by side in this convention for sixty-six days, framing the 
constitution of the state of Utah. When it was presented 
to the people it was ratified by an overwhelming vote. 
President Cleveland issued a proclamation, January 4, 1896, 



ADMINISTRATION OF WILFORD WOODRUFF 613 

and Utah entered the great Union of states. Heber M. 
Wells, son of Daniel H. Wells, was elected the first gov- 
ernor, and Charles S. Zane the first chief justice of the 
newly created state. 

The Escheated Property Returned. — In September, 

1893, Delegate Joseph L. Rawlins presented in Congress a 
resolution for the restoration of the personal property of the 
Church. The resolution was favorably acted upon by Con- 
gress and President Cleveland signed it October 25. The 
real estate, escheated to the government, was not returned 
until three years later. In the last territorial legislature, in 

1894, Mr. Charles S. Varian, formerly United States at- 
torney, presented a memorial to Congress asking for this 
restoration, but the matter was not decided until after Utah 
obtained statehood. President Cleveland, March 28, 1896, 
approved of a memorial to this effect presented by one of 
Utah's representatives in the senate and which had passed 
both the senate and the house of representatives. 

The Pioneer Jubilee. — After Utah became a state, an 
era of good feeling prevailed among all the people. Governor 
• Heber M. Wells recommended in one of his messages to the 
legislature, that the state hold an inter-mountain fair, or 
jubilee, during the month of July, 1897, it being fifty years 
from the entrance of the pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley. 
This recommendation was approved and a committee was 
appointed to prepare for the celebration. On the first day 
(July 20) of the celebration a monument which had been 
erected at the intersection of Main and South Temple 
Streets, Salt Lake City, in honor of Brigham Young and 
the pioneers, was unveiled and dedicated, by President Wil- 
ford Woodruff, one of the pioneers. The statue of Presi- 
dent Young, which is on a base of Utah granite, was de- 
signed by Cyrus E. Dallin, a Utah-born artist, and was pre- 
sented to the state by the Brigham Young Memorial As- 
sociation, the funds having been raised by popular sub- 
scription. James H. Moyle made the presentation speech, 
and Governor Wells the speech of acceptance. Judge 



614 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Charles C. Goodwin, editor of the Salt Lake Tribune, de- 
livered an oration, and remarks were made by Brigham 
Young, Jr., the oldest surviving son of President Young. 
The celebration continued until the close of Pioneer Day, 
with parades, speeches, music and other exercises. A badge 
of honor, made of gold and artistically designed, was pre- 
sented to each of the surviving pioneers of 1847, who were 
the honored guests of the occasion. 

Death of President Woodruff. — One year later, July 
24, 1898, the Pioneer Square — where the stockade was built 
in 1847 — was dedicated as a public park. President Wood- 
ruff delivered his last public address at this celebration. A 
few days later he departed for the Pacific coast hoping to 
benefit his health. He died at the home of Colonel Isaac 
Trumbo in San Francisco, September 2, 1898. He had been 
very anxious to live to see the Church out of debt, but this 
was not his privilege. Due to the escheatment of its prop- 
erty, and the persecutions during the crusade, the Church 
was placed in financial straits, but it was left for his suc- 
cessor to remedy the evil. 

President Woodruff's remains were brought to Salt Lake 
City, where a public funeral was held in the tabernacle, 
September 8, and his memory was honored by all the citi- 
zens of the state. President Woodruff, at the time of his 
death, was in his ninety-second year. His life was one of 
marked simplicity and virtue. He served for many years 
as Church historian, and kept remarkable journals, re- 
cording in detail all important events of which he was a 
witness. 



CHAPTER 52 




THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT 
LORENZO SNOW 

1898—1901 

The Presidency Re-organized. — Eleven days after the 
death of President Wilford Woodruff the apostles met in 
council and re-organized 
the First Presidency. Lo- 
renzo Snow, then in his 
85th year, was sustained as 
President of the Church, 
and selected the same coun- 
selors who had served with 
President Woodruff. The 
reason for this immediate 
action in reorganizing the 
First Presidency was a 
statement by President 
Woodruff, shortly before 
his death, that "it was not 
the will of the Lord that 
in the future there should 
be a lengthy period elapse 
between the death of the 
president and the re-or- 
ganization of the First 
Presidency." At the Oc- 
tober conference (1898) the usual procedure was followed 
in presenting the new officers of the presidency, and all 
the authorities of the Church were unanimously sustained. 
Elder Rudger Clawson, president of the Box Elder Stake 
was called to the apostleship and was ordained, October 10. 

President Lorenzo Snow. — President Lorenzo Snow 
was born April 30, 1814, in Mantua, Portage County, Ohio. 




LORENZO SNOW 



616 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

In June, 1836, he was baptized by John F. Boynton, and the 
following winter was ordained an elder. He immediately 
entered the ministry and was laboring in Kentucky when 
the Saints were expelled from Missouri. In the early 
forties he labored in Great Britain, his fields being Man- 
chester, Liverpool, Birmingham and London. After the 
departure of most of the apostles from that mission he acted 
as assistant to Elder Parley P. Pratt, who presided over the 
British Mission. He returned to America in 1843 and made 
his home at Nauvoo. In 1849 he was called to the apostle- 
ship, and took a mission to Italy, where he introduced the 
work, but met with little success. During the anti-polygamy 
crusade he was sentenced by Judge Orlando W. Powers, 
under the ''segregation" ruling, to serve three terms of im- 
prisonment of six months each, making a period of eighteen 
months, and to pay three fines of three hundred dollars each. 
The supreme court of Utah confirmed the sentence and an 
appeal was taken to the court of last resort. After he had 
served eleven months of his imprisonment the supreme court 
of the United States reversed the ruling made in his case, 
denying the right of the Utah judges to inflict punishment 
by "segregation," and he was released from confinement. 
This ruling also released others who had been illegally 
sentenced by the judges of the Utah courts. President 
Snow was sustained as the president of the Twelve Apostles 
when the First Presidency was re-organized in 1889, and 
was also called to preside in the Salt Lake Temple when 
that building was opened for work (1893), which position 
he retained until his death. 

The Roberts Case. — At the general election held No- 
vember 8, 1898, Brigham H. Roberts (Democrat) and a 
member of the presiding council of the seventies, was elected 
as Utah's representative in Congress, and Robert N. Baskin 
was elected to the Utah supreme court. During the cam- 
paign much was said by the enemies of Mr. Roberts, be- 
cause he had a plural family, and the agitation became nation- 
wide. It had been understood when Utah became a state 



ADMINISTRATION OF LORENZO SNOW 617 

that there should be no more plural marriages, and the 
Utah constitution contained a provision as follows : 

"That perfect toleration of religious sentiment shall be 
secured and that no inhabitant of said state shall ever be 
molested in person or property on account of his or her mode 
of religious worship ; provided, That polygamous or plural 
marriages are forever prohibited." 

However it was not understood that those who had en- 
tered into that relation should be barred from political 
rights. President Grover Cleveland, in September, 1894, 
by proclamation, restored all political and civil rights to 
those who had been disfranchised by the anti-polygamy leg- 
islation. Similar action had previously been taken by Presi- 
dent Benjamin Harrison. John Henry Smith, president of 
the constitutional convention, was a polygamist, and Brig- 
ham H. Roberts also served in that body without any question 
of opposition, and helped to frame the constitution which 
prohibited plural marriage in the state. 

Opposition of the Ministers. — The opposition against 
Congressman Roberts was led by the Ministerial Alliance 
of Salt Lake City, Attorney A. T. Schroeder, and the Sak 
Lake Tribune, which at that time was the organ of the 
Republican party. Mr. Charles C. Goodwin, editor of the 
Tribune, had served with B. H. Roberts in the constitu- 
tional convention without a thought of opposition. It ap- 
peared now that the old question was to be revived through 
religious and political hate, and that the harmony which 
had prevailed was to come to an end. The Ministerial 
Alliance met December 6, 1898, and prepared an address, 
which was signed by twenty-four "ministers of the Gospel," 
"most earnestly" calling upon the people of the United 
States to join them in a protest against the seating of 
Congressman-elect Roberts of Utah. They declared that 
the "Mormon" Church, in the election of Congressman Rob- 
erts, had broken its pledge with the government. 

Statement of President Snow. — In a telegram to the 
New York World, December 29, 1898, President Snow stated, 



618 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

officially and emphatically, in answer to the many false 
reports, that plural marriages had ceased with the issuance 
of the manifesto by President Woodruff, and that the 
Church had nothing to do with the nomination and election 
of B. H. Roberts, that matter being entirely a secular and 
political affair. The record of the election showed that B. 
H. Roberts received greater support from the non-"Mor- 
mons" than he did from the "Mormon" people. 

Declaration of Senator Rawlins. — In answer to the 
false accusations, Senator Joseph L. Rawlins (non-"Mor- 
mon") stated: 

"That polygamists should be disqualified to vote or to 
hold office was no part of the compact between the state 
of Utah and the United States. In territorial elections 
polygamists were so disqualified. But Congress purposely 
and knowingly wiped away all such disqualifications as to 
the very first election to be held under the enabling act, 
namely, the election of delegates to the Constitutional Con- 
vention." 

Congressman Roberts Excluded. — When B. H. Rob- 
erts was called to the bar of the house to be sworn in, Mr. 
Robert W. Tayler of Ohio arose and moved that the ques- 
tion of the right of the representative from Utah be re- 
ferred to a committee of nine members of the house, and 
until such committee made report, the said B. H. Roberts 
should not be sworn in, or permitted to occupy a seat. 
The motion was carried, and after an investigation of six 
weeks, seven of the members of the committee reported in 
favor of his exclusion which should be determined by a 
majority vote; the other two members of the committee 
favored admission of the Utah member, and then expulsion 
afterwards. In the meantime many petitions from all parts 
of the United States poured into Congress asking for his 
expulsion. January 25, 1900, the matter came to a vote 
and bigotry prevailed. Congresssman-elect Roberts was ex- 
cluded by a vote of 244 to 50 and 36 not voting. A num- 
ber of those who voted for the majority report confessed 









ADMINISTRATION OF LORENZO SNOW 619 

that they voted against their consciences and in favor of 
public clamor that their own political lives might be saved. 
Having been given a chance to make a defense, B. H. Rob- 
erts spoke, making a vigorous and telling protest against 
the bigoted action proposed against him. 

The Issue of Church Bonds. — Due to the financial 
difficulties in which the Church was placed because of con- 
tinued prosecution and persecution, it became necessary for 
some action to be taken. It was decided that bonds be 
issued, and this was done in the sum of one million dol- 
lars. The bonds were taken up by the people at home and 
local interests, and by this aid the Church was able to 
meet its many obligations and was saved from financial 
embarrassment. 

The Law of Tithing. — The administration of Presi- 
dent Lorenzo Snow was noted particularly for the teach- 
ing of the law of tithing, and the great reform among the 
members of the Church in relation to that principle. This 
reform was inaugurated in the spring of 1899, while the 
presidency were visiting the various settlements of the 
Church in southern Utah. On the return journey from St. 
George the law of tithing was made the special theme. 
This topic was continued in the sessions of the Mutual 
Improvement conference held the latter part of May, and it 
became the watchword, or slogan, of the various stakes. A 
resolution was unanimously adopted in the Mutual con- 
ference, as follows: 

"Resolved: That we accept the doctrine of tithing, as 
now presented by President Snow, as the present word and 
will of the Lord unto us, and we do accept it with all our 
hearts; we will ourselves observe it, and we will do all 
in our power to get the Latter-day Saints to do likewise." 

After a few remarks by Elder Francis M. Lyman in re- 
lation to the resolution, President Snow remarked: "Breth- 
ren, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob 
bless you. Every man who is here, who has made this 



620 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

| 
promise, will be saved in the Celestial Kingdom. God bless 
you. Amen." 

The Solemn Fast-Day. — Following the Mutual con- 
ference, a solemn assembly of all the general authorities and 
the officers of the various stakes, was held in the Salt Lake 
Temple, Sunday, July 2, 1899. The day was also observed 
as a general fast day according to the custom of the Churchy 
The law of tithing was discussed among other important 
topics, and here also a resolution was adopted by the as- 
sembled brethren, six hundred and twenty-three officers of 
the Church being present, that they would convenant with 
the Lord to observe this sacred law of tithing, and teach the 
Saints to do the same. From that time forth the paying 
of tithes and offerings on the part of the members was 
observed with increased interest, although there still are 
many who do not faithfully observe this law. 

Celebration of Mission Jubilees. — The fiftieth anni- 
versary of the introduction of the Gospel into Scandinavia 
was celebrated with fitting ceremonies, Thursday, June 14, 
1900, in the assembly hall, Salt Lake City. Elder Anthon 
H. Lund, of the council of the apostles, presided. The fes- 
tivities continued until the 17th of June. 

A similar celebration was held in December, 1900. at 
Honolulu, Hawaii, in commemoration of the opening of the 
mission in the Hawaiian Islands. President George Q. Can- 
non, one of the first missionaries to the land, was present- 
as the guest of honor. The Saints from the various islands 
assembled and engaged in a time of feasting and refreshing 
and were instructed by President Cannon and many others. 

The Scofield Disaster. — A sad occurrence which 
cast a cloud of gloom over Utah, was the explosion in Mine 
number 4, at Winter Quarters, near Scofield, Carbon 



°One day each month is set apart by the Church as a fast day. 
Before the administration of President Wilford Woodruff the 
first Thursday in each month was set apart for this purpose. 
December 6, 1896, a change in the day was made and the first 
Sunday of each month has been observed as a general fast day 
for the members of the Church sipce that time, 






ADMINISTRATION OF LORENZO SNOW 621 

County, May 1, 1900. About two hundred miners were 
killed many of whom were members of the Church. Elders 
George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, and Reed Smoot, of the 
.council of the twelve attended the services which were held 
at Scofield, Sunday, May 6, 1900. Governor Heber M. 
Wells, appealed to the public for aid for the bereaved fam- 
ilies and the people of the state responded nobly. 

The Japanese Mission. — An event of great interest 
which occurred near the close of the ministry of President 
Snow, was the opening of a mission in Japan. In keeping 
with the commandment to preach the Gospel in all the world, 
President Snow was led to send missionaries to the little 
brown people of the far East. Elder Heber J. Grant, of the 
council of the apostles, was chosen February 14, 1901, to 
open that mission. Later Elders Horace S. Ensign, Louis 
A. Kelsch and Alma O. Taylor, were called to assist in 
that labor. These brethren departed for Japan, July 24, 
1901, and arrived in Yokohama, August 12. The work of 
teaching the natives was slow because of the many cen- 
turies of pagan teaching and the difficulty the elders had in 
learning the language. After the return of the other breth- 
ren, Elder Taylor remained in that land as president of the 
mission for nine years. Work is still being conducted among 
the Japanese. 

Death of President Snow. — When the October con- 
ference was held in 1901, President Snow was ill and unable 
to attend the opening sessions. Sunday afternoon, the third 
and closing day (Oct. 6), he was present and, though some- 
what feeble, made extended remarks. At the close of his 
address the general authorities were sustained. Joseph F. 
Smith was presented as first counselor in the Presidency — ■ 
President George Q. Cannon having died April 12, 1901, in 
California — and Rudger Clawson was presented as second 
counselor. These brethren, however, were not set apart to 
these positions, for President Snow returned from the con- 
ference and was confined to his room in the Bee Hive 



( 



622 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

House, where, four days later (Oct. 10), he died. Funeral 
services were held in the tabernacle on the 13th, after which 
the body was taken by special train to Brigham City, Presi- 
dent Snow's former home, and there interred, in the pres- p 
ence of the general authorities of the Church and a vast con- 
course of people. 



CHAPTER S3 



THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT 

JOSEPH F. SMITH. 

1901—1918. 

The Presidency Re-organized. — At the regular week- 
ly meeting of the apostles, held in the Salt Lake Temple, 
October 17, 1901, the First 
Presidency was re-organized. 
Joseph F. Smith, the senior 
apostle, was sustained as Pres- 
ident of the Church, and he 
selected John R. Winder and 
Anthon H. Lund as his 
counselors. Brigham Young, 
Jr., was chosen president of 
the council of the twelve 
apostles. John R. Winder, 
the first counselor in the 
First Presidency, was at the 
time of his appointment sec- 
ond counselor to Presiding 
Bishop William B. Preston. 
Anthon H. Lund was a mem- 
ber of the council of apostles. 
Both counselors were men of 
wide experience, careful and Joseph f. smith 

conservative, and well fitted for this new calling. One week 
later (Oct. 24) Hyrum Mack Smith, eldest son of Presi- 
dent Joseph F. Smith, was called to fill the vacancy in the 
council of the apostles. 

A Special Conference. — A special conference of the 
Church was held in the tabernacle, November 10, 1901, and 
the general authorities of the Church were sustained by the 
vote of the people. Each quorum of the Priesthood voted 
separately, and then the entire body of the Saints, accord- 




624 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



ing to the regular custom when a new First Presidency is 
sustained. 

President Joseph F. Smith.— November '13, 1838. 
Joseph F. Smith was born at Far West, Missouri. A few 
days before his birth his father Hyrum Smith and his uncle, 
Joseph Smith the Prophet, and others, had been taken pris- 
oners by the mob-militia of Missouri on the false charge of 
treason, and were under sentence to be shot. As a 

child Joseph F. Smith 
passed through the trying 
scenes of Missouri and Il- 
linois, and in 1848 (Sept. 
23) he entered the Salt 
Lake Valley with his 
mother. Although but a 
boy nine years of age, he 
drove an ox team across 
the plains from the Mis- 
souri River. In 1852 his 
mother, Mary Fielding- 
Smith, died, and two years 
later, May 27, 1854, he left 
for a mission to the Ha- 
waiian Islands, when but 
fifteen years of age. He 
performed active and faith- 
ful missionary service in 
that land and later in Great 

JOHN R. WINDER • Br j tain and wag ordaine d 

an apostle by President Brigham Young, July 1, 1866. 
October 8, 1867, he was chosen as one of the council of the 
twelve, succeeding Amasa M. Lyman. With the exception 
of the interim between the administration of President 
Taylor and that of President Woodruff, he served as a 
member of the First Presidency from October, 1880, until 
the death of President Snow. 

The Bureau of Information. — An important step in 




ADMINISTRATION OF JOSEPH F. SMITH 625 



the missionary work of the Church was the opening of the 
"Bureau of Information and Church Literature," August 
4, 1902, on the temple block. A small building for the 
entertainment of strangers and as a storehouse for literature 
was erected in 1902, and the work was placed under the 
direction of Benjamin Goddard, Thomas Hull, Arnold 
H. Schulthess and Josiah Burrows. About seventy-five mem- 
bers of the Church were 
called to act as guides and 
entertain visitors. Litera- 
ture was freely distributed 
and much prejudice was re- 
moved. The first year more 
than one hundred and fifty 
thousand persons visited 
the block, and eighteen or 
twenty years later over four 
hundred thousand people, 
on the average, passed 
through the grounds an- 
nually. In 1904 a more 
commodious building was 
erected which has been add- 
ed to from time to time until 
now an excellent building 
stands upon the ground for 
the benefit and comfort of 
strangers. anthon h. lund 

The Reed Smoot Case.— January 20, 1903, the legis- 
lature of Utah elected Reed Smoot United States senator. 
He had been a candidate before, but stepped aside in favor 
of another. April 8, 1900, he was called to the apostleship, 
and the anti-"Mormon" element in Utah made this a pre- 
text for entering a protest against his being seated. As 
early as November 24, 1903, when it became known that he 
would be a candidate, the Ministerial Alliance, an organiza- 
tion of Protestant ministers of Salt Lake City, adopted 

41 




626 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

resolutions in protest of his candidacy. Their grounds were 
that he was an apostle of the "Mormon" Church, and be- 
lieved in polygamy. They had been successful in eliminat- 
ing B. H. Roberts from political office in 1900, and this 
gave them encouragement to press the matter further in 
their campaign to disfranchise all the elders of the Church, 
and if successful, eventually all members of the Church. 
B. H. Roberts was denied his seat on the grounds that he 
was a polygamist ; Reed Smoot was to be eliminated because 
he "believed in polygamy" and was an apostle of the Church. 
It was commonly reported that if Reed Smoot could be de- 
nied a seat in the senate, then any member of the Church 
who had been through the temple could also be deprived of 
his franchise, and this was the aim of these reverend gentle- 
men and their associates. 

Protest of Citizens. — January 25, 1903, nineteen cit- 
izens^ of Salt Lake City signed and forwarded to the senate 
of the United States a formal protest asking for the ex- 
pulsion of Reed Smoot from the senate. b 



a These nineteen were : Rev. William M. Paden, Parley L. Wil- 
liams, Edward B. Critchlow, E. W. Wilson, Charles C. Goodwin, 
L. W. Colbath, William A. Nelden, Rev. Clarence T. Brown, 
Ezra Thompson, J. J. Corum, George R. Hancock. W. Mont 
Ferry, Rev. John L. Leilich, Harry C. Hill, Clarence E. Allen, 
George M. Scott, S. H. Lewis, H. G. McMillan and Rev. Abiel 
Leonard. L. W. Colbath later withdrew his name. 

& This protest was divided under six heads as follows : 

1. The Mormon Priesthood according to the doctrine of that 
Church, is vested with supreme authority in all things temporal 
and spiritual. 

2. The first presidency and twelve apostles are supreme in 
the exercise and transmission of the mandates of this authority, 

3. As this body of men has not abandoned the principles and 
practices of political dictation, so also it has not abandoned be 
lief in polygamy and polygamous cohabitation. 

4. That this is the attitude of the first presidency an I 
apostolate, even since the suspensory manifesto of 1890, is evi 
denced by their teachings since then. 

5. This body of officials, of whom Senator-elect Smoot is 
one, also practice or connive at and encourage the practice of 
polygamy and polygamous cohabitation, and those whom they 
have permitted to hold legislative office have, without protest 



ADMINISTRATION OF JOSEPH F. SMITH 627 

In substantiation of these charges the protestants quoted 
from various sources, including many newspaper reports ut- 
terly unreliable and false upon their very face. The Rev. 
John L. Leilich also made separate affidavit stating among 
other falsehoods that Reed Smoot was a polygamist. As 
this charge was untrue the reverend gentleman was unable to 
prove his statements. 

Senator Smoot Makes Reply. — To all these charges 
Senator Smoot made full and complete denial in an 
answer in the District of Columbia, January 4, 1904. March 
5, 1903, he had been sworn in as a senator and his case was 
referred to the committee on privileges and elections of which 
Julius C. Burrows of Michigan was chairman. Mr. Robert 
W. Tayler, of Ohio, who gained some prominence and no- 
toriety in the case of B. H. Roberts, was the attorney for the 
protestants. Senator Smoot was represented by A. S. 
Worthington, of Washington, and Waldemar Van Cott, of 
Salt Lake City. 

The Case Before the Senate. — The case was first con- 
sidered by the committee on privileges and elections, Janu- 
ary 16, 1904, and continued before that committee until 
June 1906. The chairman, Julius C. Burrows, and other 
members of the committee manifested a spirit of extreme 
hatred in the case. It was apparent from the beginning that 
it was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that 
was on trial before the nation, not Senator Reed Smoot. 
Many witnesses were called, including President Joseph F. 
Smith and other leaders of the Church, who were treated 
with very little consideration by the majority of the com- 
mittee members. Thousands of petitions asking for Reed 
Smoot's expulsion poured into the senate from all over the 



or objection from them, sought to pass a law nullifying enactments 
against polygamous cohabitation. 

6. The supreme authorities in the Church, of whom Senator- 
elect Reed Smoot is one, to-wit, the first presidency and twelve 
apostles, not only connive at violation of, but protect and honor 
the violators of the laws against polygamy and polygamous co- 
habitation. 



628 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

United States, and the spirit of prejudice ran high. During 
the two years of the investigation the Church was thoroughly 
advertised before the world. The press of the country, seek- 
ing for the sensational, grasped at every item of evidence 
detrimental to the interest of the Church and magnified much 
of the testimony, coloring it with additional falsehood. 
Nevertheless there appeared from time to time friendly com- 
ments and articles in various quarters where men were big 
and broad enough to face the prejudice of the world. It 
can be said in perfect truth that the investigation, while 
carried on in the spirit of extreme hatred, resulted bene- 
ficially for the Church. 

The Case Decided. — June 11, 1906, the committee 
made report to the senate. The majority report, which was 
adverse to Senator Smoot, was signed by Chairman J. C. 
Burrows, and supported by Senators J. P. Dolliver, Edmund 
W. Pettus, Fred T. Dubois, Joseph Bailey, Lee S. Overman, 
and William A. Clark. They stated that "the more de- 
liberately and carefully the testimony taken in the investi- 
gation is considered, the more irresistibly it leads to the 
conclusion that the facts stated in the protest are true." 

The minority report, signed by Senators Joseph B. 
Fcraker, Albert J. Beveridge, William P. Dillingham, Albert 
J. Hopkins and Philander C. Knox, held to the opposite 
view. 

The case was called up in the senate, December 13, 1906, 
and continued before that body — a large number of the 
senators making speeches — until February 20, 1907, when 
the final vote was taken. The resolution was amended so 
that it required the concurrence of two thirds of the sena- 
tors present. The vote stood yeas 28, nays 42, and 20 not 
voting; consequently the result of the vote was that the 
resolution was rejected, and Senator Smoot retained his 
seat. 

The "American Party." — In January 1901, Thomas 
Kearns, a rich mining man, was elected by the legislature 
to the United States senate to fill a four-year term, which 



ADMINISTRATION OF JOSEPH F. SMITH 629 

had been vacant for two years because the previous legis- 
lature failed to elect a senator. Mr. Kearns was very anxious 
to be returned to the senate, and sought the support of 
President Joseph F. Smith — in other words the support of 
the Church — which was not given, and he was informed that 
the Church was not in politics. Having obtained control of 
the Salt Lake Tribune he made it his personal organ of 
hate against the Church in general and President Joseph F. 
Smith in particular. He and others of like character, in 
the autumn of 1904, organized the "American Party." The 
excuse offered for this political party was the investigation 
going on in the Reed Smoot .case. This anti-"Mormon" 
political organization endured from 1904 until 1911, and 
during those years captured the machinery of Salt Lake 
City. A campaign of vindictive falsehood was conducted 
which was a disgrace and a foul blot on the state of Utah. 
During this time the Tribune maliciously cartooned, and 
wickedly vilified President Joseph F. Smith in its col- 
umns in a manner that would not have been tolerated any- 
where outside of Utah. Finally, even anti-" Mormons" 
sickened of the condition, and the better element of the 
"American Party" joined with other citizens and put an 
end to the obnoxious condition. 

President Smith's Attitude. — The only reply Presi- 
dent Joseph F. Smith made to these vicious and daily at- 
tacks, was to express himself as follows : 

"I feel in my heart to forgive all men in the broad sense 
that God requires of me to forgive all men, and I desire 
to love my neighbor as myself ; and to this extent I bear no 
malice towards any of the children of my Father. But there 
are enemies to the work of the Lord, as there were enemies 
of the Son of God. There are those who speak only evil 
of the Latter-day Saints. There are those — and they abound 
largely in our midst — who will shut their eyes to every 
virtue and to every good thing connected with this latter- 
day work, and will pour out floods of falsehood and mis- 
representation against the people of God. I forgive them 
for this. I leave them in the hand of the just Judge." 



630 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

The Case of John W. Taylor and M. F. Cowley.— 

While the investigation at Washington was going on, Elders 
John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cowley were requested 
by the senate committee as witnesses. President Smith was 
asked to locate them and have them go to Washington. In 
answer to his appeal they declined to go. It was discovered 
that they were out of harmony with the attitude of the 
Church regarding the manifesto of President Woodruff. 
They maintained that the manifesto applied to the United 
States only. However, the attitude of the Church was that 
it applied to the entire world. 

Official Statement of President Smith. — This led to 
the discovery that some plural marriages had been entered 
into contrary to the announcement of President Woodruff, 
and also a statement made by President Lorenzo Snow. 
Therefore, President Smith, at the general conference, 
April 6, 1904, made the following official statement: 

"Inasmuch as there are numerous reports in circulation 
that plural marriages have been entered into, contrary to the 
official declaration of President Woodruff of September 24, 
1890, commonly called the manifesto, which was issued by 
President Woodruff, and adopted by the Church at its 
general conference, October 6, 1890, which forbade any 
marriage violative of the law of the land, I, Joseph F. 
Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- 
day Saints, hereby affirm and declare that no such mar- 
riages have been solemnized with the sanction, consent, or 
knowledge of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints. 

"And I hereby announce that all such marriages are 
prohibited, and if any officer or member of the Church 
shall assume to solemnize or enter into any such marriage, 
he will be deemed in transgression against the Church, and 
will be liable to be dealt with according to the rules and 
regulations thereof and excommunicated therefrom:. 
(Signed) "Joseph F. Smith." 

"President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints." 



ADMINISTRATION OF JOSEPH F. SMITH 631 

This statement, on motion of Francis M. Lyman, was 
presented to the conference and unanimously adopted. The 
agitation which followed led to the resignation, October 
28, 1905, of Elders John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cow- 
ley from the council of the apostles. 

Dedication of the Joseph Smith Monument. — Mon- 
day, December 18, 1905, President Joseph F. Smith and 
about twenty-five others, including a number of the general 
authorities of the Church, left Salt Lake City, for Sharon, 
Vermont, to dedicate a monument on the farm where Joseph 
Smith the Prophet was born. This beautiful monument, 
with a polished granite shaft thirty-eight and one-half feet 
high — one foot for every year of the Prophet's life — had 
been erected under the direction of Elder Junius F. Wells. 
December 23, 1905, the one hundreth anniversary of the 
Prophet's birth, it was dedicated and unveiled, President 
Smith offering the prayer. A short time before this event 
the Mack farm, on which the monument stands, had been 
purchased by the Church and a cottage built on the spot 
where the old home stood in which the Prophet was born. 
Subsequently the Church purchased the Smith farm and 
Sacred Grove, in Manchester township, New York. 

President Smith Visits Europe. — In the summer of 
1906, President Joseph F. Smith and Presiding Bishop 
Charles W. Nibley went to Europe and spent some time in 
each of the missions. This was the first time a President 
of the Church, while holding that office, had stood on 
Europe's soil. It proved to be a great blessing to the Saints 
abroad and encouraged and built them up in the faith. An 
incident worthy of record which occurred on that trip was 
the remarkable healing of John Roothoff, a boy eleven 
years of age, residing in Rotterdam. The youth was blind, 
but learning that President Smith would be present he said 
to his mother: "If you will take me with you to meeting 
and he (President Smith) will look into my eyes, I believe 
they will be healed." He was permitted to accompany his 
mother, and at the close of the services President Smith 



632 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

greeted each individual and shook hands with them. As +he 
mother presented her son, President Smith raised the band- 
age on his eyes, and blessed him. When he returned home 
the boy said: "Mamma, my eyes are well, I can't feel any 
more pain. I can see now, and far, too." 

The Address to the World. — At the general confer- 
ence of the Church in April, 1907, which was held shortly 
after the settlement of the case against Senator Smoot, the 
First Presidency of the Church issued an "Address to the 
World" which was read to, and adopted by, the confer- 
ence. It set forth clearly the attitude of the Church re- 
specting many matters which had been discussed during the 
hearing at Washington, and was also a reply to numerous 
magazine articles which appeared about that time written 
expressly for the injury of the Church. 

It was stated in this address, in answer to the many false 
accusations, that the Church had respectfully submitted to 
the law enacted against plural marriage. "If it is urged that 
there have been instances of the violation of the anti-polyg- 
amy laws," the document read, "the plain answer is that 
in every state and nation there are individuals who violate 
law in spite of all the vigilance that can be exercised; but 
it does not follow that the integrity of a community or a 
state is destroyed, because of such individual transgres- 
sions. All we ask is that the same common-sense judgment 
be exercised in relation to our community that is accorded 
to other communities." It was also declared that the Church 
stood for the "absolute separation of Church and State ; no 
domination of the State by the Church ; no State interference 
with the functions of the Church, or with the free exercise 
of religion ; the absolute freedom of the individual from the 
domination of ecclesiastical authority in political affairs ; the 
equality of all churches before the law. 

"The reaffirmation of this doctrine and policy, however, 
is predicated upon the express understanding* that politics 
in the States where our people reside shall be conducted as 
in other parts of the Union; that there shall be no inter- 



ADMINISTRATION OF JOSEPH F. SMITH 633 



ference by the State with the Church, nor with the free 
exercise of religion. Should political parties make war 
upon the Church, or menace the civil, political, or religious 
rights of its members as such — against a policy of that kind, 
by any political party or set of men whatsoever, we assert 
the inherent right of self-preservation for the Church, and 
her right to call upon all her children, and upon all who 
love justice, and desire the perpetuation of religious liberty, 
to come to her aid, to stand with her until the danger shall 
have passed. And this openly, submitting the justice of 
our cause to the enlightened judgment of our fellow men, 
should such an issue unhappily arise. We desire to live in 
peace and confidence with our fellow citizens of all politi- 
cal parties and of all religions." 

Changes in the Presidency. — President John R. Win- 
der, first counselor in the 
First Presidency, died March 
27, 1910. At the general 
conference in April follow- 
ing, Anthon H. Lund was 
advanced to the position of 
first counselor, and John 
Henry Smith was chosen as 
second counselor in the presi- 
dency. President John Hen- 
ry Smith died October 
13, 1911, and Elder Charles 
W. Penrose was chosen to 
succeed him, in the following 
December. The presiding 
patriarch, John Smith, died 
November 6, 1911, and his 
grandson, Hyrum G. Smith, 
was sustained in that calling at the general conference of 
the Church, April 6, 1912. 

The Saints in Mexico.— During the year 1912, on 
account of civil war in Mexico arid the constant raid of 




JOHN HENRY SMITH 



634 



ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



« 



banditti and guerillas, the members of the Church residing 
in the Juarez Stake were robbed and persecuted and finally 
forced to seek refuge in the United States. With the hope 
that they would again return to their homes most of them 
located near the border, but as time passed and the condi 
tion did not improve, a large number moved away and 
located in other stakes, abandoning their property in Mexi- 
co. Some who remained near the border have again re- 
turned to their homes, and there is some prospect (1921) 
that they may be partially reimbursed for their losses. 

The World War. — In the summer of 1914, Archduke 
Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, 
was murdered by a Serbian student. This event caused 
strained relations to exist between Austria and Serbia. 
Austria, backed by Germany, was not willing to accept the 
conciliatory note of the smaller country, which did every- 
thing possible to avoid a 
rupture, and declared wai 
July 28, 1914. The action 
was followed by a declara- 
tion of war by Germany 
against Russia on a pre- 
text, August 1. Germany 
also made an attack on 
France, attempting to go 
through Belgium, against 
the wishes of that king- 
dom, to expedite their ad- 
vancement. The invasion 
of Belgium brought Great 
Britain into the conflict, 
and eventually most of the 
countries of the earth were 
drawn into the war. Due 
to Germany's ruthless sub- 
marine campaign on the 
Charles w. Penrose high seas, the United States 




ADMINISTRATION OF JOSEPH F. SMITH 635 

was forced to declare war against that power, April 6, 
1917. Those nations which were not actually alined 
with one or the other hostile force, were caused to suffer 
great privation and hardship. The great conflict continued 
until November 11, 1918, when an armistice was declared, 
which later resulted in a treaty of peace, Germany and her 
Allies, Austria-Hungary .and Turkey, being required to 
pay enormous war indemnity. Millions of lives were sac- 
rificed and billions in property destroyed during the four 
years of actual conflict, and at the close the nations found 
themselves on the verge of bankruptcy. 

During the first year (1917) the United States was in 
the war, 3,854 members of the Church were in the army; 
616 in the navy; 196 in the marines and over 800 in other 
branches of the service, including the Red Cross and medical 
corps. By the early part of January, 1919, there were 
14,975 members of the Church in the service. Between six 
and seven hundred lost their lives during the period of the 
war. 

The Fulfilment of Prophecy. — The world war was a 
further fulfilment of the prophecy on war, given to Joseph 
Smith, Christmas day, 1832, wherein the revelation states 
that "the days will come that war will be poured out upon 
all nations." This revelation on war was partly fulfilled 
during the rebellion of the Southern States, which was the 
beginning of the end, according to the revelation. There are 
yet other things pertaining to war and the vexation of the 
nations, spoken of in that prophecy, which are to be ful- 
filled. 

A Period of Prosperity. — The administration of Pres- 
ident Joseph F. Smith was noted chiefly for the prosperity 
and advancement of the Church during the seventeen years 
of his presidency. The work spread abroad in the earth 
as well as in the stakes of Zion. Meeting houses and tab- 
ernacles, with all the modern conveniences, were erected in 
many stakes and wards. Even in the mission fields com- 
modious headquarters and churches were purchased or 



636 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

built in various places. The Dr. Groves Latter-day Saints 
Hospital, one of the best in the country, was erected. Two 
large and important structures, the Bishop's Building and the 
Church Office Building, were built for the purpose of tak- 
ing care of the various offices and departments of Church 
work. The Church school system was advanced and en- 
larged, and the very best facilities were obtained for the 
education of the youth of Zfon. Two temples, one at 
Cardston, Canada, and one at Laie, Hawaii, were under 
course of erection, and the work for the salvation of the 
dead received an impetus which filled the present temples 
to overflowing. The Church was placed in a position to 
command the respect of all honest men. Prejudice was 
overcome, and the great men of our nation commenced to 
look upon the Latter-day Saints with more kindly feelings. 

The Passing of President Smith. — In the spring of 
1918, President Smith commenced to fail in health, and 
during the late summer and fall he attended to most of his 
business matters in his own room, spending very little time 
at the office. He would generally take a short automobile 
ride in the afternoon, from which he received great benefit. 
During the October conference (1918) he was improved 
and presided at all the sessions. His opening address was 
heard in all parts of the tabernacle, but was not delivered 
with his usual physical vigor. After the conference he was 
again confined to his room the greater part of his time. 
October 3, 1918, the day before the conference convened, 
he received a remarkable manifestation in which much ad- 
ditional light was revealed regarding the salvation of the 
dead and the visit of the Savior to the world of spirits 
after his crucifixion. He made reference, indirectly, to this 
vision in his remarks at the conference, but it was not 
published until December, having first been submitted, Octo- 
ber 31, to the counselors in the presidency and the apostles 
and patriarch and unanimously accepted by them. 

Sunday, November 17, 1918, President Smith was taken 
with an attack of pleurisy which continued to grow in in- 



ADMINISTRATION OF JOSEPH F. SMITH 637 

tensity, finally developing into pleuro-pneumonia, and he 
passed away, Tuesday morning, November 19. No public 
funeral could be held as the city was under quarantine be- 
cause an epidemic of influenza was over all the land. 
Thousands of people lined the streets as the cortege passed 
and services in the cold open air were held at the grave, 
where brief remarks were made by President Heber J. 
Grant and Bishop Charles W. Nibley. President Anthou 
H. Lund had charge of the services and President Charles 
W. Penrose dedicated the grave. 



I 



CHAPTER 54 

THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT 
HEBER J. GRANT 
1918— 

President Heber J. Grant. — By virtue of his position 
as president of the council of apostles, Heber J. Grant be- 
came the presiding offi- 
cer of the Church at the 
death of President 
Smith. Heeding the in- 
struction of President 
Wilford Woodruff— 
which was given by rev- 
elation, and was followed 
by Presidents Snow and 
Smith — that the First 
Presidency should be or- 
ganized without delay, 
the council of apostles 
met November 23, 1918, 
in the temple, and Heber 
J. Grant was sustained 
and set apart as Presi- 
dent of the Church. He 
selected as his counsel- 
ors Anthon H. Lund 
heber j. gbant and Charles W. Pen- 

rose, who had served with President Joseph F. Smith. 

President' Grant was born November 22, 1856, in Salt 
Lake City. He is the son of Jedediah Morgan and Rachel 
Ridgeway Ivins Grant. He is a man of great activity and 
endless energy ; full of sympathy for the down-trodden and 
the poor. In the financial world he is recognized as a man 
of keen ability, yet his life has been constantly devoted to 
the welfare and progress of the Church, his labors in the 




ADMINISTRATION OF HEBER J. GRANT 639 

ministry dating from his early youth. In 1880 he was 
called to preside over the Tooele Stake of Zion, succeeding 
Francis M. Lyman who had been called into the council 
of the twelve. Two years later (October 16, 1882) he was 
himself ordained an apostle, having been called, with Elder 
George Teasdale, to that office by revelation. In 1901 
he went to Japan and there opened the door for the preach- 
ing of the Gospel, and after his return he was called to pre- 
side over the European mission, where he labored for three 
years. 

The General Conference Postponed. — Because of the 
influenza epidemic no meetings were held during the winter 
and spring of 1919. On this account, the general conference, 
which otherwise would have been held in April, was post- 
poned until June 1, 1919. On that occasion the solemn 
assembly of the Priesthood was held, and the authorities 
of the Church were sustained by the usual separate vote of 
the quorums. That conference was devoted largely to a 
memorial service for President Joseph F. Smith. 

Dedication of the Hawaiian Temple. — Thanksgiv- 




l-IAWAIIAN TEMPLE 



640 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



ing day, November 27, 1919, the temple at Laie, Hawaii, 
was dedicated by President Heber J. Grant. He was ac- 
companied to that land by President Anthon H. Lund, 
Rudger Clawson, Stephen L. Richards, Presiding Bishop 
Charles W. Nibley and Arthur Winter. The dedicatory 
services were repeated, five services being held to accomo- 
date all the people — 1,239 souls attending the services. This 
is the first temple erected outside of the continental United 
States, and is for the benefit of the native Saints of the 
islands of the Pacific, The mission in the Hawaiian Is- 
lands was opened in 1850 by George Q. Cannon and others, 
and thousands of the natives received the Gospel. The 
site for the Hawaiian temple was dedicated by President 
Joseph F. Smith, June 1, 1915. 

Passing of President Lund — Changes in the Presi- 
dency. — After a brief ill- 
ness, President Anthon 
H. Lund, first counselor 
in the presidency, passed 
away at his home in Salt 
Lake City, March 2, 1921. 
He served in the presi- 
dency during the entire 
ministry of President 
Joseph F. Smith, having 
been chosen second coun- 
selor in October, 1901. 
After the death of John 
R. Winder, the first 
counselor, he was ad- 
vanced to that position in 
April, 1910. President 
Lund was a man with- 
out guile, faithful and 
true to the Gospel and to 
the brethren, and beloved 
anthony w. ivins by all the Saints. 







ADMINISTRATION OF HEBER I. GRANT 641 

At the meeting of the council of the presiding authori- 
ties held in the Salt Lake Temple, Thursday, March 10, 
1921, President Charles W. Penrose was chosen by Presi- 
dent Heber J. Grant as his first counselor, and Elder An- 
thony W. Ivins as his second counselor. Rudger Clawson 
was at the same time, set apart as president of the twelve 
apostles, as he became the ranking apostle after the death 
of President Lund. 

Conclusion. — At the general conference of the Church 
held in April, 1920, the one hundredth anniversary of the 
Prophet's vision of the Father and the Son, was fitting- 
ly observed. The remarks of the brethren who spoke had 
a bearing on the great work accomplished by the Prophet 
and the authenticity of his vision. The Improvement Era, 
the organ of the priesthood quorums of the Church, and the 
Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, devoted the 
April number to special articles dealing with the theme of 
the Vision, and other magazines did the same. A cantata 
by Evan Stephens, "The Vision," which was prepared for 
the occasion, was rendered before a crowded house in the 
tabernacle, and special topics were considered in the several 
wards, following the conference. 

Ninety years before (1830) the Church was organized 
with but six members. In 1920 it numbered several hundred 
thousands. Its property in meeting houses, tabernacles, 
temples and other necessary buildings, was valued at many 
millions of dollars. There were 83 a stakes of Zion, 
871 organized wards and 83 branches within those stakes. 
Missionary work had been carried to various parts of the 
earth, and there were 24 regularly established missions with 
numerous conferences and branches. Each stake of Zion 
contained a high priests' quorum, and there were 209 quor- 
ums of seventy. The total number of men holding the Mel- 
chezidek Priesthood was 57,600 and the total number hold- 
ing the Aaronic Priesthood was 49,780. Many thousands 

a Three other stakes have since been organized. 
42 



642 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

of young people were enrolled in the auxiliary organizations 
of the Church, and it was conceded by many ministers of 
other churches, that the "Mormon" Sunday Schools were 
the best that could be found in all the world. & 

The Church at the close of the first one hundred years 
of its history, dating from the Prophet's vision in 1820, was 
looked upon as a power in the earth for good by the great 
and wise men of the nations. Knowledge of its work had been 
brought to the attention of kings, presidents and rulers of 
the earth. The prospects before it for advancement and 
growth were bright, and it appeared that the prophecy of 
Isaiah was about to be fulfilled: 

"Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way 
of the people ; * * * lift up a standard for the people. 

"Behold the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the 
world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salva- 
tion cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work 
before him. 

"And they shall call them, The holy people, The re- 
deemed of the lord ; and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A 
city not forsaken." — Isaiah 62:10-12. 

fc At a synod held in Salt Lake City, in September 1921, at 
which the ministers of the Episcopal Churdh of the Fourth 
Province of the Pacific assembled, Rev. W. F. Bulkley said: "We 
may learn much from the Mormon Church ; it has the best Sun- 
day school organization of any church in the world." — Salt Lake 
Tribune, September 9, 1921, p. 15. 






APPENDIX 



Appendix 

THE AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS 
OF THE CHURCH 

In addition to the quorums of the priesthood, there are 
in the Church a number of helpful organizations known as 
the auxiliary organizations. These are : The National 
Woman's Relief Society, The Deseret Sunday School Union, 
The Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, The 
Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association, and The 
Primary Association. There are two other organizations 
which are not classed as auxiliaries, namely, The Religion 
Classes— an adjunct of the Church School system — and the 
Genealogical Society of Utah, which is closely related in its 
work to the temples. 

A brief statement of the organization, accomplishments 
and aims of these societies is here given. 

THE NATIONAL WOMAN'S RELIEF SOCIETY 

The Relief Society, now known as the National Woman's 
Relief Society, was organized in Nauvoo, March 17, 1842, 
by Joseph Smith, the Prophet, assisted by Elders John Tay- 
lor and Willard Richards. The object of the society, as 
stated by the Prophet, was "to look after the wants of the 
poor, to search after objects of charity, and to administer 
to their wants ; to assist by correcting the morals and 
strengthening the virtues of the community, and thus to 
save the elders the trouble of rebuking." He also expressed 
the desire that the society might be built up in a most high 
and acceptable manner, and should be a select company of 
the virtuous, and those who would walk circumspectly. One 
feature of the work of the society should be to purge out 
iniquity, surmount difficulties, "though the soul be tried, 
the heart faint, and hands hang down." The members 
should observe the laws of God, hearken to counsel and 
keep free from the evils of the world, and be "choice, 
virtuous and holy." 

This organization, composed exclusively of the women 



646 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

of the Church, now (1922) numbers about fifty thousand 
members. It has accomplished a wonderful work in the care 
of the poor, alleviating the distress of the needy, the sick 
and afflicted, comforting those who mourn and preparing 
the dead for burial. All this work, and much more, which 
would fill volumes, has been accomplished in the spirit of 
true charity and love by the members, who unitedly en- 
deavor to carry out the admonition and instruction given by- 
President Joseph Smith at the time of the organization 
in 1842. 

Outlines have been prepared from year to year and a 
course of study presented to the members by which they are 
trained not only in their duties as members of the society, 
but also in various branches of education, to the intent that 
they may be better equipped for the duties of life. 

THE DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION 

In the fall of 1848, a little more than a year after the 
arrival of the pioneers, Richard Ballantyne came to the 
Salt Lake Valley with his family. He located in the old 
fort and the following spring made plans for a home. He 
arranged his building to provide for the holding of a Sun- 
day School, and on Sunday, December 9, 1849, the first 
Sunday School in the Rocky Mountains was held at his 
home, Elder Ballantyne being both superintendent and 
teacher. His Sunday School was popular among the mem- 
bers of the Church and was well attended until the year 
1850, when a chapel was erected in the Fourteenth Ward 
into which the Sunday school was transferred. Not long 
after this other Sunday schools were organized in Salt Lake 
City and in a number of other settlements in Utah. How- 
ever, there was no uniformity of method or course of study 
in these schools. 

The possibility of the Sunday school as an agency for 
teaching the Gospel to the youth was early recognized and 
the importance of uniformity and co-operation in this task 
was urged early in 1866. In November, 1866, as a result 
of the growing sentiment, a meeting was called at which a 
general organization was effected for the purpose of con- 
centrating and unifying Sunday school efforts. Elder 



APPENDIX 647 

George O. Cannon was elected president of the organiza- 
tion which was called, the Deseret Sunday School Union. 
The scope of the activity of the Deseret Sunday School 
Union is Church-wide, and its purpose is to establish uni- 
formity in Sunday school methods, to develop greater 
teaching efficiency, and through co-operation to improve the 
quality of the work done. The Juvenile Instructor, first 
published by Elder George 0. Cannon early in 1856, is the 
official organ of the Deseret Sunday School Union, and is 
a potent factor in accomplishing these results. It contains 
uniform lessons for each department in the Sunday schools. 
Teacher-training work, as a means of developing greater 
teaching efficiency, was first undertaken by the Sunday 
schools under the leadership of the general board. This 
movement has since attained Church-wide application under 
the leadership and direction of the Priesthood. 

As an organization, auxiliary to the Priesthood, the ulti- 
mate aim of the Sunday schools is to teach the principles of 
the Gospel and to stimulate the pupils to render willing 
obedience thereto. More specifically, the Sunday school 
aims so to equip its members that they will be able not only 
to work out their own salvation through the application of, 
and obedience to, the principles of the Gospel which they 
have been taughj, but also to prepare themselves for service 
in the Priesthood, in the mission fields, and in the organiza- 
tions at home, through which opportunities are afforded 
them to render service to others. The Sunday school 
recognizes no age limit, but aims to accommodate all grades 
of spiritual development from infancy to old age. 

From a membership of 50 pupils in the first Sunday 
school, the enrollment has increased until in 1920 there were 
970 Sunday schools in the organized stakes of Zion with an 
enrollment of 170,164 pupils and 18,184 officers and teach- 
ers. The Sunday school work and organization extend into 
the missions where there are 596 schools which have an 
enrollment of 25,189 pupils, and 4,623 officers and teachers. 
The Sunday school in the mission field is recognized as the 
best means of arousing interest in the work of the Church 
and as a step toward the establishing of branches. — Albert 
Hamer Reiser, general secretary. 



648 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



THE YOUNG MEN S MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS 

The Young Mien's Mutual Improvement Associations 
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were be- 
gun in the year 1875, the first organization having been 
effected in the Thirtheenth ward, Salt Lake City, on the 
10th day of June, that year, by Junius F. Wells, under the 
immediate instruction and direction of President Brigham 
Young. In 1921 there were 796 associations in the 871 
wards and 86 stakes of the Church, with an active member- 
ship of 43.562 and a force of officers of 6,116. In 22 
missions of the Church there are a large number of as- 
sociations, with an encouraging membership ; and much good 
is being accomplished for and by the young people. The 
organization is supervised by a general board under the 
direction of the general authorities of the Church. A central 
organization consisting of a supperintendent, two assist- 
ants, the secretary, treasurer, and several aids, has charge 
in each stake. Each ward is officered by a president, two 
counselors, secretary, treasurer, class leaders, scoutmaster, 
and other assistants for special work in music, recreation, 
athletics, leisure-time activities, etc. Standing committees 
in all the organizations look after the details of the work. 
The Y. M. M. I. A. as an auxiliary organization, while in- 
dependent in its actions, 'studies, recreation and general 
activity, is under the controlling influence of the general 
stake and ward officers of the Church. At the organization, 
President Brigham Young stated the keynote of the work 
of these organizations to be, "the establishment in the youth 
of individual testimony of the truth and magnitude of the 
great latter-day work; the development of the gifts within 
them that have been bestowed upon them by the laying on of 
hands of the servants of God ; cultivating a knowledge and an 
application of the eternal principles of the great science of 
life." This great body of young men, appeals for place 
and opportunity to work, to offer a helping hand in build- 
ing up the Church of Christ, and to lend effective service 
to their fellowmen and in the cause of God. They stand 
for the mutual improvement of the youth of Zion. Their 
souls are thrilled with the grand vision of the future, and 
their hearts with the testimony of the glorious destiny of 



APPENDIX 649 

God's "marvelous work and a wonder" of the latter days. 
The aim of their organization is, first, to impress them and 
all the youth of Israel with a testimony of the Gospel of 
Jesus Christ, as restored through Joseph the Prophet, and to 
this end they seek all useful knowledge by which they may 
be helpful in its establishment. They desire to learn to 
preside over public assemblies, to express themselves before 
the public, to study and to practice religious, civil, vocational, 
social and recreational, scientific and educational affairs, 
and to be trained in all that pertains to religious, moral, 
physical and intellectual advancement. The further object 
of the organization is to answer every desire of the young 
men of our community for excellence and enjoyment, and 
to provide for the gratification of every legitimate ambition 
and impulse to excel in these fields of endeavor without 
having to seek opportunity elsewhere. In a word, the aim 
of the Y. M. M. I. A. is to assist every young man to "com- 
plete living on the foundation of faith in God and his great 
latter-day work;" or, in other words, to live in perfect har- 
mony with the established standards of the restored gospel 
of Jesus Christ. 

The activities of the organization consists in the adop- 
tion of many interesting and attractive details for work and 
service, including advanced senior, senior, and junior studies, 
in new and attractive manuals; scout work; recreational 
programs ; leisure-time activities, and' other features of 
marked interest to young people. Their organization pre- 
sents to them fascinating programs to hold their attention 
in the wonderful business of building characters in their 
own lives, and in establishing faith in God and his great 
latter-day work. 

For a general heading for some of the declarations that 
this organization has made, and for which the young men 
stand, it is fitting to use the words of the Psalmist : "In the 
name of our God we will set up our banners." To this end 
they present the following slogans : "We stand for a sacred 
Sabbath and a weekly half holiday; for a weekly home 
evening; for state and nation-wide prohibition; for thrift 
and economy ; for service to God and country ; for spiritual 
growth through attendance at sacrament meetings; for the 



650 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

non-use and non-sale of tobacco ; and for loyal citizenship/' 
Some trust in the wealth of mines, some in the riches 
of the earth, others gather houses and lands, or lean upon 
the learning and wisdom of men ; but even as David, God's 
servant of old, the Y. M. M. I. A. declare: "We will 
remember the name of the Lord our God. He will hear 
us from his holy heaven, hear and fulfil our petitions and 
redeem us with the saving strength of his right hand." 
Setting up these slogans and ideals and, adding thereto, as 
the years go by, all helpful and useful knowledge and serv- 
ice, we will not only remember the name of the Lord our 
God, but will rejoice in his salvation, and in his name will 
seek to conquer evil and establish righteousness. — Edzvard 
H. Anderson, Editor of the "Improvement Era." 

THE YOUNG LADIES' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION 

The Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association had 
its origin in the Retrenchment Association, organized by 
President Brigham Young in the Lion House on November 
28, 1869. Its membership consisted entirely of his own 
daughters, Ella Young being president, with Emily, Zina, 
Maria, Carlie, Phebe, and Dora Young as associate officers. 
The purpose of this Retrenchment Association, as President 
Young expressed it, was "to retrench in dress, in speech, in 
everything that is bad and worthless, and to improve in 
everything that is good and beautiful." He also stated 
that he wished his daughters and the girls of the Church 
generally to gain for themselves a knowledge and testimony 
of the Gospel. 

Associations of other young women were soon patterned 
after the original one and later the name was changed 
to Mutual Improvement Association to harmonize with a 
similar organization which had been formed among the 
young men. In 1880 the general board was organized with 
Elmina S. Taylor, president; Margaret Y. Taylor, and 
Martha Home Tingey as counselors. 

The fundamental aim has always been to give religious 
and moral instruction and in addition such other lines of 
work as will help to prepare girls for their true position in 
the home and community life. Courses in the study of the 



APPENDIX 651 

standard works of the Church, and in literature, home 
economics, ethics, history, etc., have been provided. 

In connection with the Young Men's Association, a line 
of work designated as "special activities" is conducted. 
This comprises music, public speaking, story-telling, decla- 
mation, drama, -debating, etc. Much of the social work of the 
Church is under the direction of the two associations. 

The official organ of the Young Ladies' Mutual Im- 
provement Association is the Young Woman's Journal, a 
monthly magazine. This reflects the spirit of the organi- 
zation and is the medium through which the general board 
reaches the stake and ward officers and members of the 
association. It has a subscription of about 18,000. 

The junior members of the association are known as 
bee-hive girls, the work provided being of the nature of the 
camp fire work and parallel to that of the boy scouts. There 
are some 14,000 bee-hive girls, in age from 14 to 16 years. 
There are also senior classes in all of the local associations 
and advanced senior classes in the majority of them. 

The present total membership (April 1, 1921) is 44,681. 
Two hundred seventy-six of this number are giving services 
in the Mission Field. — Clarissa Becsley, general secretary. 

THE PRIMARY ASSOCIATION 

The need of child culture and special religious training 
for the children was the motive that prompted the organi- 
zation of the Primary Association in the Church. The Lord 
has placed the responsibility of the training of the children 
of" Church members on the shoulders of the parents, where 
it properly belongs. However, in the multitude of duties 
it is necessary that some help be extended to assist the par- 
ents in the important labor, and the various auxiliary or- 
ganizations were given for this purpose. 

The following account of the origin and aims of the 
Primary Association is furnished by that organization : — 

"The Primary Association originated at Farmington. 
Davis County, Utah, where the first meeting was held on 
the 25th day of August, 1878. 

"For some time previous, Sister Aurelia S. Rogers, the 
pioneer in this work, had reflected with much seriousness 
upon the need of a more strict guardianship over the boys 



652 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

and girls of Zion. She felt the necessity for more religious 
and moral training than they were then receiving; believed 
that children should be taught to beautify the home with the 
workmanship of their own hands, and learn to cultivate a 
love for music, for flowers, and for the beautiful in all 
things. 

"The matter was brought to the attention of Sister Eliza 
R. Snow and a consultation was held with President John 
Taylor, Emmeline B. Wells, and others, resulting in a de- 
cision to organize what is now known as 'The Primary As- 
sociation.' It was resolved that the instruction should be 
of religious and moral character in all that tends toward 
the development of upright men and women. 

"Accordingly, on the 11th of August, 1878, Aurelia S. 
Rogers was set apart to preside over a Primary Association 
in Farmington. The ward was systematically visited and 
the name of every child recorded. Two weeks later the 
children were called together, the object of the work was 
explained to them, and the career of the association began. 
In addition to the meeting where general instructions were 
given including lessons on obedience, faith in God, prayer 
(individual and in concert), punctuality, and good manners, 
there were program and testimony meetings. A quarterly 
gathering was held every three months to which the parents 
were invited and a special program rendered. Lessons were 
given on the planting of beans and corn, to be stored for 
times of famine, in the making of rag carpets for use 
in Church buildings; and much emphasis was laid on the 
necessity for obedience to the word of wisdom. 

"Similar associations were organized in other places, and 
on the 19th day of June, 1880, Sister Louie B. Felt, then 
president of the Eleventh Ward Association in Salt Lake 
City, was called to preside over the Primary Associations 
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the 
world." 

There are 873 associations in the Church, with a total 
enrollment of 70,816 officers and children. 

THE RELIGION CLASSES 

Since the first year after the Church was organized it 
has maintained schools in which religion has been taught. 



APPENDIX 653 

Even in their early persecutions and drivings, whenever a 
sufficient number of members settled in any locality long 
enough to justify it, some suitable person was selected to 
teach and a school was organized. Religion was always a 
prominent study in them, and the study of the Bible was 
common in most of the schools of the nation. 

When the schools began to be maintained by the state, 
however, and people of all religious beliefs were obliged to 
pay taxes for their support, the Bible and all religious teach- 
ings were banished from the public schools because of the 
jealousy of the patrons over religious tenets. When this 
movement reached the settlements of our people in the West 
they yielded to it, but with deep disappointment, and to make 
up this loss the authorities of the Church established a sys.- 
tem of Religion Classes to be held before or after school, and 
taught by volunteer teachers who serve without pay. 

In these Religion Classes the more practical principles 
of the Gospel are taught, and in such a way as to induce to 
good and noble actions. The organization and methods of 
teaching resemble those of the day school whose work they 
are designed to supplement. Up to the present time these 
classes are held only once a week, except in a few instances, 
but the original purpose and ultimate aim is to have them 
meet daily as other day school classes. In this way the 
religious and moral elements, now so lacking in the work 
of the public schools and so much needed to guide and 
control intellectual efficiency, will be supplied, and a more 
balanced development secured. 

The Religion Classes are a part of the Church School 
system and are under the supervision of the Church Com- 
missioners of Education. Classes are organized in almost 
every ward in the Church and about 50,000 pupils are en- 
rolled. — Horace H. Cummings, of the General Board. 

THE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF UTAH 

The Genealogical Society of Utah was organized at a 
meeting held in the office of Franklin D. Richards, Church 
historian, November 13, 1894. It was decided by those 
present to organize a society the purposes of which were "to 
be benevolent in collecting, compiling, establishing and main- 



654 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

taining a genealogical library for the use and benefit of its 
members and others; educational in disseminating informa- 
tion regarding genealogical matters; and also religious." 

The officers consist of a board of seven directors, and a 
president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and librarian, 
who were to be selected from among the board of directors. 
The original members were Wilford Woodruff, George Q. 
Cannon, Joseph F. Smith, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. 
Richards, John Nicholson, Amos Milton Musser, James H. 
Anderson, James B. Walkley, Abraham H. Cannon, George 
Reynolds, John Jaques and Duncan M. McAllister. 

A room in the historian's office was tendered by His- 
torian Franklin D. Richards, for the use of the society "until 
such time as circumstances required a change of location, the 
use of said room to be free of charge." 

Franklin D. Richards was chosen as president of the 
society ; John Nicholson, vice-president ; James H. Anderson, 
secretary; Amos Milton Musser, treasurer; John Jacques, 
librarian. These, with Andrew Jenson, formed the board of 
directors. 

At the third meeting of the society, November 20, 1894, 
articles of incorporation were prepared and the society was 
duly incorporated. The first books received by the society 
were also donated by the charter members at this meeting, 
consisting of eleven volumes. This was the nucleus of a 
library which, it is hoped by its members, is destined to be- 
come second to none in the world. 

At the beginning of the year 1895, the society had twenty- 
eight life members and twenty annual members. At the 
close of the year 1907 there were one hundred and eight life 
members and sixty-five annual members and the library con- 
tained sixteen hundred volumes. In the year 1908 the 
society took on new life, an impetus was given to the work 
of salvation for the dead and the people commenced' 
to give greater attention to the gathering of the rec- 
ords of their ancestors. The volume of business during 
the years 1908-9 was greater than that which had been ac- 
complished during the previous existence of the so:iety. 
The work of the society was extensively advertized and was 
placed on a firm footing. At the close of the year 1921, 



APPENDIX 655 

there had been issued 3,100 life memberships, 6,512 annual 
memberships, including renewals, and the library contained 
6,500 volumes. 

The Genealogical Society of Utah is a Church institu- 
tion. It is not confined to the borders of Utah, but is as 
extensive in its field of activity as is the Church. It was 
organized for the purpose of aiding the members of the 
Church in the collecting, and compiling of the records of 
their dead preparatory to the performance of ordinance work 
for their salvation in the temples of the Lord. 



GENERAL AUTHORITIES OF THE CHURCH 

PRESIDENTS OF THE CHURCH 

Joseph Smith. — Born Dec. 23, 1805, at Sharon, Ver- 
mont; received the Melchizedek Priesthood from Peter, 
James and John in 1820; sustained April, 1830, as First 
Elder and Oliver Cowdery as Second Elder of the Church, 
at the age of 24; sustained January 25, 1832, as President 
of the High Priesthood at a conference at Amherst, 
Lorain County, Ohio; murdered June 27, 1844, at Car- 
thage Jail, Illinois. 

Brigham Young. — Born June 1, 1801, at Whittingham, 
Vermont; ordained an apostle Feb. 14, 1835, by Joseph 
Smith and the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon ; 
sustained Dec. 27, 1847, as President of the Church, at the 
age of 46; died Aug. 29, 1877, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

John Taylor. — Born Nov. 1, 1808, at Milnthorpe, Eng- 
land ; ordained an apostle Dec. 19, 1838, under the hands 
of Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball; sustained Oct. 
10, 1880, as President of the Church, at the age of 72 ; died 
July 25, 1887, at Kaysville, Davis County, Utah. 

Wilford Woodruff.— Born March 1, 1807, at Avon, 
Connecticut; ordained an apostle April 26, 1839, by Brig- 
ham Young; sustained April 7, 1889, as President of the 
Church, at the age of 82; died Sept. 2, 1898, at San Fran- 
cisco, California. 

Lorenzo Snow. — Born April 3, 1814, at Mantua, Ohio ; 
ordained an apostle Feb. 12, 1849, by Heber C. Kimball; 



656 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

sustained Sept. 13, 1898, as President of the Church, at 
the age of 84; died Oct. 10, 1901, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Joseph F. Smith.— Born Nov. 13, 1838, at Far West, 
Missouri; ordained an apostle July 1, 1866, by Brigham 
Young, and set apart as one of the twelve apostles Oct. 
8, 1867; sustained Oct. 17, 1901, as President of the 
Church, at the age of 63 ; died Nov. 19, 1918, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah. 

Heber J. Grant.— Born Nov. 22, 1856, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah ; ordained an apostle by George Q. Cannon, 
October 16, 1882; sustained Nov. 23, 1918, as President 
of the Church, at the age of 63. 

\_ 

FIRST COUNSELORS IN THE FIRST PRESIDENCY 

Sidney Rigdon.— Born Feb. 19, 1793, at St. Clair, 
Pennsylvania; ordained a high priest by Joseph Smith 
and set apart March 18, 1833, as first counselor in the 
First Presidency by Joseph Smith, at the age of 40; ex- 
communicated Sept. 8, 1844; died July 14, 1876, at 
Friendship, Alleghany County, New York. 

Heber C. Kimball.— Born June 14, 1801, at Sheldon, 
Vermont; ordained an apostle Feb. 14, 1835, under the 
hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin 
Harris ; sustained Dec. 27, 1847, as first counselor in the 
First Presidency, at the age of 46; died June 22, 1868, 
at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

George A. Smith. — Born June 26, 1817, at Potsdam, 
New York ; ordained an apostle April 26, 1839, by Heber 
C. Kimball ; sustained October 6, 1868, as first counselor 
in the First Presidency, at the age of 51; died Sept. 1, 
1875, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

John W. Young.— Born Oct. 1, 1844, at Nauvoo, Illi- 
nois; sustained Oct. 7, 1876, as first counselor in the 
First Presidency, at the age of 32 ; retired at the death of 
Brigham Young. 

George Q. Cannon. — Born Jan. 11, 1827, at Liverpool, 
England ; ordained an apostle Aug. 26, 1860, by Brigham 
Young; sustained Oct. 10, 1880, as first counselor in the 
First Presidency, at the age of 62 ; sustained April 7, 1889, 
as first counselor to President Woodruff and also to 



APPENDIX 657 

President Lorenzo Snow, Sept 13, 1898; died April 12, 
1901, at Monterey, California. 

John R. Winder.— Born Dec. 11, 1821, at Biddenden, 
England; ordained a high priest March 4, 1872, by Ed- 
ward Hunter; sustained Oct. 17, 1901, as first counselor 
in the First Presidency, at the age of 80; died March 
27, 1910, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Anthon H. Lund.— Born May 15, 1844, at Aalborg, 
Denmark; ordained an apostle Oct. 7, 1889, by George 
Q. Cannon ; sustained April 7, 1910, as first counselor 
in the First Presidency, at the age of 66; died March 2, 
1921, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Charles W. Penrose. — Born Feb. 4, 1832, at London, 
England ; ordained an apostle July 7, 1904, by Joseph F. 
Smith; sustained March 10, 1921, as first counselor in 
the First Presidency, at the age of 89. 

SECOND COUNSELORS IN THE FIRST PRESIDENCY 

Fred'k G. Williams.— Born Oct. 28, 1787, at Suffield, 
Connecticut; called by revelation March, 1832, to be a 
high priest and counselor to Joseph Smith ; ordained and 
set apart March 18, 1833, as second counselor in the First 
Presidency by Joseph Smith, at the age of 46; rejected 
Nov. 7, 1837; died Oct. 10, 1842, at Quincy, Illinois. 

Hyrum Smith.— Born Feb. 9, 1800, at Tunbridge, Ver- 
mont; ordained a high priest June 6, 1831, by Joseph 
Smith ; chosen as second counselor in the First Presi- 
dency Nov. 7, 1837, at the age of 37 ; called to be Patri- 
arch Jan. 24, 1841 ; murdered June 27, 1844, at Carthage, 
Illinois. 

William Law.— Born Sept. 8, 1809; ordained and set 
apart Jan. 24, 1841, as second counselor in the First 
Presidency, at the age of 32, excommunicated April 18, 
1844; died Jan. 19, 1892, at Shullsburg, Wisconsin. 

Willard Richards.— Born June 24, 1804, at Hopkinton, 
Massachusetts; ordained an apostle April 14, 1840, by 
Brigham Young; sustained Dec. 27, 1847, as second 
counselor in the First Presidency, at the age of 43 ; died 
March 11, 1854, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Jedediah M. Grant.— Born Feb. 21, 1816, at Windsor, 
New York; set apart as second counselor in the First 

43 



658 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Presidency April 7, 1854, at the age of 38; died Dec. 1, 
1856, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Daniel H. Wells.— Born Oct. 27, 1814, at Trenton, 
New York; ordained an apostle and set apart as second 
counselor in the First Presidency, January 4, 1857, by 
Brigham Young, at the age of 43; retired at the death 
of President Young; died March 24, 1891, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah. 

Joseph F. Smith.— Born Nov. 13, 1838, at Far West, 
Missouri; set apart as one of the twelve apostles Oct. 8, 
1867; sustained Oct. 10, 1880, as second counselor to 
President John Taylor, at the age of 41 ; also sustained as 
second counselor to President Wilford Woodruff, April 
7, 1889 and to President Lorenzo Snow, Sept. 13, 1898; 
sustained as President of the Church Oct. 17, 1901 ; died 
Nov. 19. 1Q18, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Anthon H. Lund.— Born May 15, 1844, at Aalborg, 
Denmark; ordained an apostle Oct. 7, 1889, by George Q. 
Cannon ; sustained as second counselor in the First Presi- 
dency Oct. 17, 1901, at the age of 51; advanced to first 
counselor April 7, 1910; died March 2, 1921, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah. 

John Henry Smith. — Born Sept. 18, 1848, at Car- 
bunca, Iowa; ordained an apostle Oct. 27, 1880, by Wil- 
ford Woodruff; sustained April 7, 1910, as second coun- 
selor in the First Presidency at the age of 62 ; died Oct. 
13, 1911, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Charles W. Penrose. — Born Feb. 4, 1832, at London, 
England ; ordained an apostle July 7, 1904, by Joseph F. 
Smith; sustained Dec. 7, 1911, as second counselor in the 
First Presidency at the age of 79; advanced to first 
counselor March 10, 1921. 

Anthony W. Ivins. — Born Sept. 16, 1852, at Toms 
River, New Jersey ; ordained an apostle Oct. 6, 1907, by 
Joseph F. Smith; sustained as second counselor in the 
First Presidency, March 10, 1921, at the age of 68. 

THE APOSTLES OF THE CHURCH 

Thomas B. Marsh.— Born Nov. 1, 1799, at Acton, Mas- 
sachusetts; ordained an apostle April 26, 1835, at Kirt- 
land, under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer 



APPENDIX 659 

and Martin Harris, at the age of 36; President of the 
council of apostles; excommunicated for apostasy March 
17, 1839; returned to the Church in 1857; died in 1860 at 
Ogden, Utah. 

David W. Patten.— Born in 1800, at Theresa, New 
York; ordained an apostle Feb. 15, 1835, at Kirtland, un- 
der the hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and 
Martin Harris, at the age of 35 ; shot Oct. 25, 1838, at the 
Battle of Crooked River, Missouri. 

Brigham Young. — Born June 1, 1801, at Whitting- 
ham, Vermont; ordained an apostle Feb. 14, 1835, at 
Kirtland, under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, David 
Whitmer and Martin Harris, at the age of 34; President 
of the council of apostles; sustained Dec. 27, 1847, as 
President of the Church ; died Aug. 29, 1877, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah. 

Heber C. Kimball.— Born June 14, 1801, at Sheldon, 
Vermont; ordained an apostle Feb. 14, 1835, at Kirtland, 
under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and 
Martin Harris, at the age of 34; died June 22, 1868, at 
Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Orson Hyde. — Born Jan. 8, 1805, at Oxford, Connecti- 
cut; ordained an apostle Feb. 15, 1835, at Kirtland, under 
the hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin 
Harris, at the age of 30; died Nov. 28, 1878, at Spring 
City, Utah. 

William E. McLellin. — Born 1806, in Tennessee; or- 
dained an apostle Feb. 15, 1835, at Kirtland, under the 
hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin 
Harris, at the age of 29; excommunicated May 11, 1838; 
died April 24, 1883, at Independence, Jackson County, 
Missouri. 

Parley P. Pratt. — Born April 12, 1807, at Burlington, 
New York; ordained an apostle Feb. 21, 1835, at Kirt- 
land, under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whit- 
mer and Martin Harris, at the age of 28; assassinated 
May 13, 1857, at Van Buren, Arkansas. 

Luke S. Johnson. — Born Nov. 3, 1807, at Pomfret, 
Vermont; ordained an apostle Feb. 15, 1835, at Kirtland, 
under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and 
Martin Harris, at the age of 28; excommunicated April 



660 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

13, 1838; returned to the Church, and died Dec. 9, 1861, at 
Salt Lake City, Utah. 

William B. Smith.— Born March 13, 1811, at Royal- 
ton, Vermont; ordained an apostle Feb. 15, 1835, at Kirt- 
land, under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whit- 
mer and Martin Harris, at the age of 24; excommuni- 
cated Oct. 12, 1845; died Nov. 13, 1893, at Osterdock, 
Clayton County, Iowa. 

Orson Pratt.— Born Sept. 19, 1811, at Hartford, New 
York; ordained an apostle April 26, 1835, under the 
hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin 
Harris, at Kirtland, at the age of 24; died Oct. 3, 1881, 
at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

John F. Boynton. — Born Sept. 20, 1811, at Bradford, 
Massachusetts; ordained an apostle Feb. 15, 1835, at 
Kirtland under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, David 
Whitmer and Martin Harris, at the age of 24; excom- 
municated; died Oct. 20, 1890, at Syracuse, New York. 

Lyman E. Johnson. — Born Oct. 24, 1811, at Pomfret, 
Vermont; ordained an apostle Feb. 14, 1835, at Kirt- 
land, under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whit- 
mer and Martin Harris, at the age of 24 ; excommunicated 
April 13, 1838; died Dec. 20, 1856, at Prairie du Chien, 
Winconsin. 

John E. Page.— Born Feb. 25, 1799, at Trenton, New 
York; ordained an apostle Dec. 19. 1838, at Far West, 
under the hands of Brigham Young and Heber C. Kim- 
ball, at the age of 39; excommunicated June 27, 1846; 
died in the fall of 1867, at De Kalb County, Illinois. 

John Taylor.— Born Nov. 1, 1808, at Milnthorpe, Eng- 
land ; ordained an apostle Dec. 19, 1838, at Far West, 
under the hands of Brigham Young and Heber C. Kim- 
ball, at the age of 30 ; President of the council of apostles ; 
sustained as President of the Church Oct. 10, 1880; died 
July 25, 1887, at Kaysville, Utah. 

Wilford Woodruff. — Born March 1, 1807, at Avon, 
Connecticut; ordained an apostle April 26, 1839, at Far 
West, by Brigham Young, at the age of 32; President of 
the council of apostles ; sustained as President of the 
Church April 7, 1889; died Sept. 2, 1898, at San Francisco, 
California. 



APPENDIX 661 

George A. Smith. — Born June 26, 1817, at Potsdam, 
New York; ordained an apostle April 26, 1839, at Far 
West, by Heber C. Kimball, at the age of 22 ; advanced to 
be first counselor in the First Presidency, Oct. 6, 1868; 
died Sept. 1, 1875, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Willard Richards. — Bom June 24, 1804, at Hopkinton, 
Massachusetts ; ordained an apostle April 14, 1840, at 
Preston, Lancashire, England, by Brigham Young, at the 
age of 36; edvanced to be second counselor in the First 
Presidency Dec. 27, 1847; died March 11, 1854, at Salt 
Lake City, Utah. 

Lyman Wight.— Born May 9, 1796, at Fairfield, New 
York; ordained an apostle April 8, 1841, by Joseph Smith, 
at Nauvoo, at the age of 44; excommunicated Feb. 12, 
1849; died March 31, 1858, in Mountain Valley, Texas. 

Amasa M. Lyman. — Born March 30, 1813, at Lyman, 
New Hampshire ; ordained an apostle Aug. 20, 1842, at 
Nauvoo, by Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and 
George A. Smith, at the age of 29; deprived of apostle- 
ship Oct. 8, 1867; excommunicated May 12, 1870; died 
Feb. 4, 1877, at Fillmore, Millard County, Utah. 

Ezra T. Benson. — Born Feb. 22, 1811, at Mendon, 
Massachusetts ; ordained an apostle July 16, 1846, at 
Council Bluffs, by Brigham Young, at the age of 35 ; died 
Sept. 3, 1869, at Ogden, Utah. 

Charles C. Rich.— Born Aug. 21, 1809, at Campbell 
County, Kentucky; ordained an apostle Feb. 12, 1849, at 
Salt Lake City, Utah, by Brigham Young, at the age of 
40; died Nov. 17, 1883, at Paris, Idaho. 

Lorenzo Snow. — Born April 3, 1814, at Mantua, Ohio; 
ordained an apostle Feb. 12, 1849, at Salt Lake City, Utah, 
by Heber C. Kimball, at the age of 36; President of the 
council of the apostles; sustained as President of the 
Church Sept. 13, 1898; died Oct. 10, 1901, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah. 

Erastus Snow. — Born Nov. 9, 1818, at St. Johnsbury, 
Vermont ; ordained an apostle Feb. 12, 1849, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah, by Brio-ham Young, at the age of 31 ; died 
May 27, 1888, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Franklin D. Richards. — Born April 2, 1821, at 
Richmond, Massachusetts; ordained an apostle Feb. 12, 



662 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

1849, at Salt Lake City, Utah, by Heber C. Kimball, at 
the age of 28 ; President of the council of apostles ; died 
Dec. 9, 1899, at Ogden, Utah. 

George Q. Cannon. — Born Jan. 11, 1827, at Liverpool. 
England ; ordained an apostle Aug. 26, 1860, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah, by Brigham Young, at the age of 33; ad- 
vanced to be first counselor in the First Presidency Oct. 
10, 1880; died April .12, 1901,, at Monterey, California. 

Joseph F. Smith.— Born Nov. 13, 1838, at Far West, 
Missouri; ordained an apostle July 1, 1866, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah, by Brigham Young; set apart as one of the 
twelve apostles Oct. 8, 1867, at the age of 29; sustained as 
President of the Church Oct. 17, 1901; died Nov. 19, 
1918, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Brigham Young, Jr. — Born Dec. 18, 1836, at Kirtland, 
Ohio; ordained an apostle Feb. 4, 1864, by Brigham 
Young and set apart as one of the twelve apostles Oct. 
9, 1868, at the age of 32; President of the council of 
apostles; died April 11, 1903, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Albert Carrington. — Born Jan. 8, 1813, at Royalton, 
Vermont; ordained an apostle July 3, 1870, by Brigham 
Young at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 57 ; excom- 
municated Nov. 7, 1885 ; died Sept. 19, 1889, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah. 

Moses Thatcher. — Born Feb. 2, 1842, at Sangamon 
County, Illinois; ordained an apostle April 9, 1879, at 
Salt Lake City, Utah, by John Taylor, at the age of 37 ; 
dropped from the council of the apostles April 6, 1896; 
died Aug. 21, 1909. 

Francis M. Lyman. — Born Jan. 12, 1840, at McComb, 
Illinois ; ordained an apostle Oct. 27, 1880, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah, by John Taylor, at the age of 40 ; President of 
the council of apostles; died Nov. 18, 1916, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah. 

John Henry Smith. — Born Sept. 18, 1848, at Carbunca, 
Iowa ; ordained an apostle Oct. 27, 1880, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah, by Wilford Woodruff, at the age of 32 ; ad- 
vanced to be second counselor in the First Presidency 
April 7, 1910j died Oct. 13, 1911, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

George Teasdale. — Born Dec. 8. 1831, at London, Eng- 



APPENDIX 663 

land; ordained an apostle Oct. 16, 1882, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah, by John Taylor, at the age of 51; died June 
9, 1907, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Heber J. Grant.— Born Nov. 22, 1856. at Salt Lake 
City. Utah ; ordained an apostle Oct. 16, 1882, by George 
Q. Cannon, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 26; 
President of the council of apostles; sustained as Presi- 
dent of the Church Nov. 23, 1918. 

John W. Taylor.— Born May 15, 1858, at Provo, Utah ; 
ordained an apostle April 9, 1884, by John Taylor, at Salt 
Lake City, Utah, at the age of 26 ; resigned Oct. 6, 1905 ; 
excommunicated March 28, 1911; died Oct. 10, 1916, at 
Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Marriner W. Merrill.— Born Sept. 25, 1832, at Sack- 
ville, New Brunswick; ordained an apostle Oct. 7, 1889, 
at Salt Lake City, Utah, by Wilford Woodruff, at the 
age of 57; died Feb. 6, 1906, at Richmond, Cache Countv, 
Utah. 

Anthon H. Lund.— Born May 15, 1844, at Aalborg, 
Denmark ; ordained an apostle Oct. 7, 1889 by George Q. 
Cannon at Salt Lake f City, Utah, at the age of 45 ; 
President of the council of apostles ; advanced to second 
counselor in the First Presidency Oct. 17, 1901 ; to first 
counselor in Presidency April 7, 1910; died March 2, 1921. 

Abraham H. Cannon. — Born March 12, 1859, at Salt 
Lake City, Utah ; ordained an apostle Oct. 7, 1889, by 
Joseph F. Smith, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 
30; died July 19, 1896, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Matthias F. Cowley.— Born Aug. 25, 1858, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah ; ordained an apostle Oct. 7, 1897, by George 
Q. Cannon at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 39 ; 
resigned Oct. 28, 1905. 

Abraham O. Woodruff.— Born Nov. 23, 1872, at Salt 
Lake City, Utah ; ordained an apostle Oct. 7, 1897, by 
W'ilford Woodruff, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age 
of 25 ; died June 20, 1904, at El Paso, Texas. 

Rudger Clawson. — Born March 12, 1857, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah; ordained an apostle Oct. 10, 1898, by Lorenzo 
Snow, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 41 ; Presi- 
dent of the council of apostles. 

Reed Smoot.— Born Jan. 10, 1862, at Salt Lake City, 



664 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Utah ; ordained an apostle April 8, 1900, by Lorenzo 
Snow, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 38. 

Hyrum Mack Smith.— Born March 21, 1872, at Salt 
Lake City, Utah ; ordained an apostle Oct. 24, 1901, by 
Joseph F. Smith, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 
29; died Jan. 23, 1918, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

George Albert Smith. — Born April 4, 1870, at Salt 
Lake City, Utah; ordained an apostle, Oct. 8, 1903, by 
Joseph F. Smith, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 33. 

Charles W. Penrose. — Born Feb. 4, 1832, at London, 
England ; ordained an apostle, July 7, 1904, by Joseph F. 
Smith, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 72; ad- 
vanced to be second counselor in the First Presidency 
Dec. 7, 1911 ; advanced to be first counselor in the First 
Presidency March 10, 1921. 

George F. Richards. — Born Feb. 23, 1861, at Farm- 
ing-ton, Utah ; ordained an apostle April 9, 1906, by Joseph 
F. Smith, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 45. 

Orson F. Whitney.— Born July 1, 1855, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah ; ordained an apostle April 9, 1906, by Joseph 
F. Smith, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 50. 

David O. McKay. — Born Sept. 8, 1873, at Huntsville, 
Utah ; ordained an apostle April 9, 1906, by Joseph F. 
Smith, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 32. 

Anthony W. Ivins. — Born Sept. 16, 1852, at Toms 
River, New Jersey; ordained an apostle Oct. 6, 1907, by 
Joseph F. Smith, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 
55 ; advanced to be second counselor in the First Presi- 
dency, March 10, 1921. 

Joseph Fielding Smith.— Born July 19, 1876, at Salt 
Lake City, Utah; ordained an apostle April 7, 1910, by 
Joseph F. Smith, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 33. 

James E. Talmage. — Born Sept. 21, 1862, at Hunger- 
ford, Berkshire, England; ordained an apostle Dec. 8, 
1911, by Joseph F. Smith, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at 
the age of 49. 

Stephen L. Richards. — Born June 18, 1879, at Mendon, 
Cache County, Utah ; ordained an apostle Jan. 17, 1917, 
by Joseph F. Smith, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age 
of 37. 

Richard R. Lyman. — Born Nov. 23, 1870, at Fillmore, 



APPENDIX 665 

Utah ; ordained an apostle April 7, 1918, by Joseph F. 
Smith, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 47. 

Melvin J. Ballard.— Born Feb. 9, 1873, at Logan, Utah ; 
ordained an apostle Jan. 7, 1919, by Heber J. Grant, at 
Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 45. 

John A. Widtsoe. — Born Jan. 31, 1872, on the Island 
of Troyen, Norway; ordained an apostle March 17, 1921, 
by Heber J. Grant, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the 
age of 49. 

PRESIDING PATRIARCHS 

Joseph Smith, Sen. — Born July 12, 1771, at Topsfield, 
Essex County, Mass. ; ordained presiding patriarch of 
the Church Dec. 18, 1833, under the hands of Joseph 
Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. 
Williams; died Sept. 14, 1840, at Nauvoo, Illinois. 

Hyrum Smith.— Born Feb. 9, 1800, at Tunbridge, 
Orange County, Vermont ;• ordained presiding patriarch 
of the Church Jan. 24, 1841, by Joseph Smith; murdered 
June 27, 1844, at Carthage Jail, Illinois. 

John Smith. — Born July 16, 1781, at Derryfield, 
Rockingham County, New Hampshire ; ordained a patri- 
arch Jan. 10, 1844, at Nauvoo, by Joseph Smith ; set 
apart as presiding patriarch of the Church, Jan. 1, 
1849; at Salt Lake City, Utah; died May 23, 1854, at 
Salt Lake City, Utah. 

John Smith.— Born Sept. 22, 1832, at Kirtland, Ohio ; 
ordained presiding patriarch of the Church Feb. 18, 1855, 
by Brigham Young at Salt Lake City, Utah ; died Nov. 6, 
1911, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Hyrum G. Smith.— Born July 8, 1879, at South Jordan. 
Salt Lake County, Utah; ordained a seventy Feb. 11, 
1907, by George G. Bywater; ordained a high priest and 
presiding patriarch of the Church May 9, 1912, by 
Joseph F. Smith at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

FIRST SEVEN PRESIDENTS OF SEVENTIES 

Hazen Aldrich. — Chosen and ordained one of the 
first seven presidents of seventies Feb. 28, 1835, at Kirt- 
land ; released April 6, 1837, previously having been or- 
dained a high priest. 



666 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Joseph Young. — Born April 7, 1797, at Hopkinton, 
Middlesex County, Mass.; chosen and ordained one of 
the first seven presidents of seventies Feb. 28, 1835, at 
Kirtland, at the age of 37; died July 16, 1881, at Salt 
Lake City, Utah. 

Levi W. Hancock.— Born April 7, 1803, at Old 
Springfield, Hampden County. Mass. ; chosen and or- 
dained one of the first seven presidents of seventies Feb. 
28, 1835, at Kirtland, at the age of 31; died June 10, 
1882, at Washington, Washington County, Utah. 

Zebedee Coltrin.— Born Sept. 7, 1804, at Ovid, Seneca 
County, New York ; chosen and ordained one of the first 
seven presidents of seventies Feb. 28, ■ 1835, at Kirtland, 
at the age of 30; released April 6, 1837, previously hav- 
ing been ordained a high priest; died July 21, 1887, at 
Spanish Fork, Utah. 

Leonard Rich. — Chosen and ordained one of the first 
seven presidents of seventies" Feb. 28, 1835, at Kirtland; 
released April 6, 1837, previously having been ordained 
a high priest. 

Lyman Sherman. — Chosen and ordained one of the 
first seven presidents of seventies Feb. 28, 1835, at 
Kirtland ; released April 6, 1837, previously having been 
ordained a high priest. 

Sylvester Smith. — Chosen and ordained one of the 
first seven presidents of seventies Feb. 28, 1835, at Kirt- 
land ; released April 6, 1837, previously having been or- 
dained a high priest. 

John Gould. — Ordained a seventy and set apart as 
one of the first seven presidents April 6, 1837, at Kirt- 
land ; released Sept. 3, 1837, previously having been or- 
dained a high priest. 

James Foster. — Born April 1, 1775 ; ordained a seventy 
and set apart as one of the first seven presidents April 
6, 1837, at Kirtland; died Dec. 21, 1841, at Morgan 
County, Utah. 

Daniel S. Miles. — Ordained a seventy and set apart 
as one of the first seven presidents April 6, 1837, at 
Kirtland, died in 1845, in Hancock County, Illinois. 

Josiah Butterfield. — Born in the State of Maine; or- 
dained a seventy and set apart as one of the first seven 



APPEXDIX 667 

presidents April 6, 1837. at Kirtland; excommunicated 
Oct. 7, 1844: died at Monterey County, California. 

Salmon Gee. — Born Oct. 16, 1792, at Lyme, New 
London County, Conn. ; ordained a seventy and set apart 
as one of the first seven presidents April 6, 1837, at 
Kirtland, at the age of 43 ; seventies withdrew their fel- 
lowship from Brother Gee, March 6, 1838; died Sept 13, 
1845, at Ambrosia, Lee County, Iowa. 

John Gaylord. — Born July 12, 1797; ordained a sev- 
enty Dec. 20, 1836; set apart as one of the first seven 
presidents April 6, 1837, at Kirtland, at the age of 39 ; 
excommunicated Jan. 13, 1838; rejoined the Church at 
Nauvoo. 

Henry Harriman. — Born June 9, 1804, at .Rowley 
(now Georgetown), Essex County. Mass.; ordained a 
seventy in 1835 ; set apart as one of the first seven presi- 
dents Feb. 6, 1838 at Kirtland, at the age of 33 ; died 
May 17. 1891, at Huntington, Emery County, Utah. 

Zera Pulsipher. — Born June 24, 1789, at Rockingham. 
Windham County, Vermont; ordained a seventy and set 
apart as one of the first seven presidents March 6, 1838. 
at Kirtland. at the age of 48; released April 12, 1862; 
died Jan. 1, 1872, at Hebron, Washington County, Utah. 

Albert P. Rockwood. — Born June 5, 1805. at Hollis- 
ton. Middlesex County, Mass.; ordained a seventy Jan. 
5, 1839, at Kirtland : set apart as one of the first seven 
presidents Dec. 2. 1845, at Nauvoo. at the age of 40; 
died Nov. 26. 1879. at Sugar House, Salt Lake Co.. Utah. 

Benjamin L. Clapp. — Born Aug. 19, 1814, in Alabama ; 
ordained and set apart president of the 8th quorum of 
seventy Oct. 20. 1844: set apart as one of the first seven 
presidents Dec. 2. 1845. at Nauvoo. at the age of 31 : 
died in 1860. in California. 

Horace S. Eldredge. — Born Feb. 6. 1816, at Brutus. 
Cayuga County. New York : ordained a seventy and set 
apart as one of the first seven presidents in 1854, at Salt 
Lake City, Utah, at the age of 38; died Sept. 6, 1888, at 
Salt Lake City. Utah. 

Jacob Gates. — Born March 9. 1811. in St. Johnsbury. 
Caledonia County. Vermont ; ordained a seventy and set 
apart as one of the first seven presidents in Oct. 1862, 



668 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 51 ; died April 14, 
1892, at Provo, Utah. 

John Van Cott. — Born Sept. 7, 1814, at Canaan, Co- 
lumbia County, New York ; ordained a seventy, Feb. 25, 
1847; set apart as one of the first seven presidents in 
Oct. 1862, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 48; died 
Feb. 18, 1883, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

. William W. Taylor.— Born Sept. 11, 1853, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah ; ordained a seventy and set apart as one of the 
first seven presidents April 6, 1880, at Salt Lake City, 
Utah, at the age of 26; died Aug. 1, 1884, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah. 

Abraham H. Cannon.— Born March 12, 1859, at Salt 
Lake City, Utah ; ordained a seventy and set apart as 
one of the first seven presidents Oct. 9, 1882, at Salt 
Lake City, Utah, at the age of 23 ; called to the apostle- 
ship Oct. 7, 1889; died July 19, 1896, at Salt Lake City, Ut. 

Seymour B. Young. — Born Oct. 3, 1837, at Kirtland, 
Ohio; ordained a seventy Feb. 18, 1857; set apart as one 
of the first seven presidents Oct. 14, 1882, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah, at the age of 45. 

C. D. Fjeldsted. — Born Feb. 20, 1829, at Sundbyvester, 
Copenhagen, Denmark ; ordained a seventy Feb. 5, 1859 ; 
set apart as one of the first seven presidents April 28, 
1884, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 55 ; died 
Dec. 23, 1905, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

John Morgan. — Born Aug. 8, 1842, at Greensburg, 
Decatur County, Indiana ; ordained a seventy Oct. 8, 
1875 ; set apart as one of the first seven presidents Oct. 
1884, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 42; died 
Aug. 14, 1894, at Preston, Idaho. 

Brigham H. Roberts. — Born March 13, 1857, at War- 
rington, Lancashire, England ; ordained a seventy March 
8, 1877; set apart as one of the first seven presidents 
Oct. 8, 1888, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 31. 

George Reynolds. — Born Jan. 1, 1842, at Marylebone, 
London, England; ordained a seventy March 18, 1866; 
set apart as one of the first seven presidents April 10, 
1890, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 54; died 
Aug. 9, 1909, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Jonathan Golden Kimball. — Born June 9, 1853, at 



APPENDIX 669 

Salt Lake City, Utah; ordained a seventy July 21, 1886; 
set apart as one of the first seven presidents April 6, 
1892, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 38. 

Rulon S. Wells.— Born July 7, 1854, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah; ordained a seventy Oct. 22, 1875; set apart 
as one of the first seven presidents April 5, 1893, at Salt 
Lake City, Utah, at the age of 38. 

Edward Stevenson. — Born May 1, 1820, at Gibraltar, 
Spain; ordained a seventy May 1, 1845; set apart as one 
of the first seven presidents Oct. 9, 1894, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah, at the age of 74; died Jan. 27, 1897, at Salt 
Lake City, Utah. 

Joseph W. McMurrin.— Born Sept. 5, 1858, at Tooele, 
Tooele County, Utah; ordained a seventy April 21, 1884; 
sustained in Oct. 1897 and set apart as one of the first 
seven presidents Jan. 21, 1898, at Liverpool, England, 
at the age of 39. 

Charles H. Hart. — Born July 5, 1866, at Bloomington, 
Bear Lake County, Idaho ; ordained a seventy Aug. 10, 
1890; set apart as one of the first seven presidents April 
8, 1906, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 39. 

Levi Edgar Young.— Born Feb. 2, 1874, at Salt Lake 
City, Utah; ordained a seventy June 18, 1897; sustained 
as one of the first seven presidents Oct. 6, 1909; set 
apart Jan. 23, 1910, at New York, at the age of 36. 

PRESIDING BISHOPS 

Edward Partridge. — Born Aug. 27, 1793, at Pittsfield, 
Berkshire County, Mass. ; called by revelation to be the 
first bishop of the Church, ordained and set apart Feb. 
4, 1831, at the age of 38; died May 27, 1840, at Nauvoo, 
Illinois. 

Newel K. Whitney.— Born Feb. 5, 1795, at Marl- 
borough, Windham County, Vermont; called by revela- 
tion to be the first bishop of Kirtland ; sustained as pre- 
siding bishop of the Church at the conference of April, 
1847; died Sept. 23, 1850, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Edward Hunter.— Born June 22, 1793, at Newton, 
Deleware County, Penn. ; called and sustained as the 
presiding bishop of the Church April 7, 1851; ordained 
and set apart April 11, 1852, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at 



670 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



the age of 58; died Oct. 16, 1883, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

William B. Preston.— Born Nov. 24, 1830, at Halifax, 
Franklin County, Virginia; ordained a bishop Nov. 14, 
1859; set apart as presiding bishop of the Church April 
6, 1884, at Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 53 ; died 
Aug. 2, 1908, at Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Charles W. Nibley.— Born Feb. 5, 1849, at Hunter- 
field, Midlothian, Scotland; ordained and set apart as 
presiding bishop of the Church Dec. 11, 1907, at Salt 
Lake City, Utah, at the age of 58. 

STAKES OF ZION 

(In Chronological Order.) 



NAME 

*Kirtland, 

*Clay-Caldwell, 

*Adam-ondi-Ahman, 

*Nauvoo, 

*Zarahemla, 

*Lima, 

*Quincy, 

* Mount Hope, 

* Freedom, 

* Geneva, 
*Springfield, 
Salt Lake, 
Weber, 
Utah, 
Parowan, 
*St. Louis, 
*Carson Valley, 
Cache, 

Juab, 

Millard, 

Beaver, 

Bear Lake, 

Sevier, 

St. George, 

Kanab, 



ORGANIZED 

Feb. 17, 1834, 
July 3, 1834, 
June 28, 1838, 
Oct. 5, 1839, 
Oct. 5,. 1839, 
Oct. 21, 1840, 
Oct. 25, 1840, 
Oct. 27, 1840, 
Oct. 27, 1840, 
Nov. 1, 1840, 
Nov. 5, 1840, 
Oct. 3, 1847, 
Jan. 26, 1851, 
Mar. 19, 1851, 
May, 1852, 
Nov. 4, 1854, 
Oct. 4, 1856, 
Nov. 14, 1859, 
Sept. 20, 1868, 
Mar. 19, 1869, 
Mar. 12, 1869, 
June 20, 1869, 
May 24, 1874, 
April 7, 1877, 
April 18, 1877, 



PRESIDENT 



Joseph Smith Jr. 
David Whitmer. 
John Smith. 
William Marks. 
John Smith. 
Isaac Morley. 
Daniel Stanton. 
Abel Lamb. 
Henry W. Miller. 
William Bosely. 
Edwin P. Merriam. 
John Smith. 
Lorin Fan*. 
Abraham O. Smoot. 
John C. L. Smith. 
Milo Andrus. 
Orson Hyde. 
Peter Manghan. 
Jacob Bigler. 
Thomas Callister. 
John Murdock. 
William Budge. 
Joseph A. Young. 
J. D. T. McAllister. 
L. John Nuttal. 



^Discontinued. 



APPENDIX 



671 



NAME 

Panguitch, 
*Davis, 
Tooele, 
Morgan, 
*Sanpete 
Summit, 
Wasatch, 
Box Elder, 
*Little Colorado, 
. * Eastern Arizona, 
Emery, 
St. Joseph, 
San Juan, 
San Luis, 
Maricopa, 
Bannock, 
Oneida, 
Uintah, 
St. Johns, 
Cassia, 
Snowflake, 
Malad, 
Star Valley, 
Wayne, 
Alberta, 
Bingham, 
Juarez, 
Woodruff, 
Fremont, 
Pocatello, 
Jordan. 
Granite, 

North Sanpete, 
South Sanpete, 
Alpine, 
Nebo, 
Hyrum, 
Benson, 



ORGANIZED 

April 23, 1877, 
Tune 17, 1877, 
June 24, 1877, 
July 1, 1877, 
July 4, 1877, 
July 9, 1877, 
July 15, 1877, 
Aug. 19, 1877, 
Tan. 27, 1878, 
June 29, 1879, 
Aug. 13, 1882, 
Feb. 25, 1883, 
Sept. 23, 1883, 
Oct. 10, 1883, 
Dec. 10, 1883, 
Feb. 4, 1884, 
June 1, 1884, 
May 9, 1887, 
July 23, 1887, 
Nov. 19, 1887, 
Dec. 18, 1887, 
Feb. 12, 1888, 
Aug. 14, 1892, 
May 27, 1893, 
June 9, 1895, 
June 9, 1895, 
Dec. 9, 1895, 
June 5, 1898, 
Aug. 6, 1898, 
Aug. 7, 1898, 
Tan. 21, 1900, 
tan. 27, 1900, 
Dec. 9, 1900, 
Dec. 9, 1900, 
Tan. 13, 1901, 
Jan. 20, 1901, 
April 30, 1901, 
May 1, 1901, 



PRESIDENT 

James Henrie. 
William R. Smith. 
Francis M. Lyman. 
Willard G. Smith. 
Canute Peterson, 
William W. Cluff. 
Abram Hatch. 
Oliver G. Snow. 
Lot Smith. 
Jesse N. Smith. 
Christen D. Larsen, 
Christopher Layton. 
Platte D. Lyman. 
Silas S. Smith. 
Alex. F. McDonald. 
Lewis S. Pond. 
William D. Hendricks 
Samuel R. Bennion. 
David K. Udall. 
Horton D. Haight. 
Jesse N. Smith. 
Oliver C. Hoskins. 
George Osmond. 
Willis E. Robison. 
Charles O. Card. 
James E. Steele. 
Anthony W. Ivins. 
John M. Baxter. 
Thomas E. Ricks. 
Wm. C. Parkinson. 
Orrin P. Miller. 
Frank Y. Taylor. 
Christian N. Lund. 
Canute Peterson. 
Stephen L. Chipman. 
Jonathan S. Page. 
William C. Parkinson. 
William H. Lewis. 



Discontinued. 



672 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 



NAME 

Big Horn, 

Union, 

Teton, 

Taylor, 

Blackfoot, 

Liberty, 

Pioneer, 

Ensign, 

Rigby, 

Ogden, 

North Weber, 

Bear River, 

Yellowstone, 

Carbon, 

Deseret, 

Moapa, 

Duchesne, 

Young, 

Boise, 

Shelley, 

Cottonwood, 

Raft River, 

Curlew, 

North Davis, 

South Davis, 

Portneuf, 

Idaho, 

Montpelier, 

Tintic, 

Twin Falls, 

Burley, 

Blaine, 

Lost River, 

Franklin, 

Logan, 

Roosevelt, 

Garfield, 

Lethbridge, 



ORGANIZED 

May 26, 1901, 
June 9, 1901, 
Sept., 2, 1901, 
Aug. 30, 1903, 
Jan. 31, 1904, 
Feb. 26, 1904, 
Mar. 24, 1904, 
April 1, 1904, 
Feb. 2, 1908, 
July 26, 1908, 
Aug. 2, 1908, 
Oct. 11, 1908, 
Jan. 10, 1909, 
May 8, 1910, 
Aug. 11, 1912, 
Sept. 8, 1912, 
Dec. 2, 1912, 
May 21, 1913, 
Nov. 2, 1913, 
Aug. 16, 1914, 
Nov. 29, 1914, 
April 27, 1915, 
May 17, 1915, 
June 20, 1915, 
June 20, 1915, 
Aug. 14, 1915, 
Nov. 19, 1916, 
Dec. 23, 1917, 
A.pril 22, 1917, 
July 26, 1919, 
July 27, 1919, 
Aug. 3, 1919, 
Aug. 18, 1919, 
June 6, 1920, 
June 6, 1920, 
June 26, 1920, 
Aug. 29, 1920, 
Nov. 10, 1921, 



PRESIDENT 

Byron Sessions. 
Franklin S. Bramwell. 
Don Carlos Driggs. 
Heber S. Allen. 
Elias S. Kimball, 
Hugh J. Cannon, 
William McLaehlin. 
Richard W. Young. 
Don C. Walker. 
Thomas B. Evans. 
James Wotherspoon. 
Milton H. Welling. 
Daniel G. Miller. 
Gustave A. Iverson. 
Alonzo A. Hinckley. 
Willard L. Jones. 
William H. Smart. 
David Halls. 
Heber Q. Hale. 
Joseph H. Dye. 
Uriah G. Miller. 
John A. Elison. 
Jonathan C. Cutler. 
Henry H. Blood. 
James H. Robinson. 
George T. Hyde. 
Nelson J. Hogan. 
Edward C. Rich. 
E. Franklin Birch. 
Lawrence G. Kirkman 
David R. Langlois. 
Wm. Lennox Adams. 
William N. Patten. 
Samuel W. Parkinson. 
Oliver H. Budge. 
William H. Smart. 
Charles E. Rowan, Jr 
Hugh B. Brown. 



APPENDIX 673 

CHURCH PUBLICATIONS 

(Chronologically arranged with date and place of issue.) 

Book of Mormon, 1830, Palmyra, New York. 

Danish, 1851, Copenhagen, Denmark. 

German, 1852, Bern, Switzerland. 

French, 1852, Paris, France. 

Italian, 1852, London, England. 

Welsh, 1852, Myrthyr Tydfil, Wales. 

Hawaiian, 1855, San Francisco, California. 

Deseret Alphabet, 1869, New York City, New York. 

Swedish, 1878, Copenhagen, Denmark. 

Spanish, 1886, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Maori, 1889, Auckland, New Zealand. 

Dutch, 1890, Amsterdam, Holland. 

Samoan, 1903, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Tahitian, 1904, Papeete, Society Islands. 

Turkish, 1906, New York City, New York. 

Japanese, 1909, Tokyo, Japan. 
The Evening and Morning Star, 1832, Independence, Mis- 
souri. 
Book of Commandments, 1833, Independence, Missouri. 
L. D. S. Messenger and Advocate, 1834, Kirtland, Ohio. 
Doctrine and Covenants, 1835, Kirtland, Ohio. 

Danish, 1851, Copenhagen, Denmark. 

Welsh, 1851, Myrthyr Tydfil, Wales. 

German, 1876, Bern, Switzerland. 

Swedish, 1888, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Dutch, 1908, Rotterdam, Holland. 
Hymn Book, 1835, Kirtland, Ohio. 
The Elder's Journal, 1838, Kirtland Ohio. 
Times and Seasons, 1839, Commerce, (Nauvoo) Illinois. 
The Millennial Star, 1840, Manchester and Liverpool, Eng. 
The Gospel Reflecter, 1841, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
The Wasp, 1842, Nauvoo, Illinois. 
The Nauvoo Neighbor, 1843, Nauvoo, Illinois. 
The Prophet, 1844, New York City, New York. 
The New York Messenger, 1845, New York City, New York. 
The California Star, 1846, Yerba Buena, (San Francisco) 
Cal. 

44 



674 ESSENTIALS IN CHURCH HISTORY 

Prophwyd y Jubili new Seren y Saint, (Welsh) 1846, 

Myrthyr Tydfil, Wales. 
Udgorn Seion new Seren y Saint (Welsh) 1849, Myrthyi- 

Tydfil, Wales. 
The Frontier Guardian, 1849, Kanesville (Council Bluffs). 
The Deseret News, 1850, Salt Lake City, Utah. 
Pearl of Great Price, 1851, Liverpool, England. 
Welsh, 1852, Wales. 
German, 1882, Bern, Switzerland. 
Danish, 1883, Salt Lake City, Utah. 
Dutch, 1911, Rotterdam, Holland. 
Skandinaviens Stjerne, (Danish) 1851, Copenhagen, Den- 
mark. 
Zions Panier, (German) 1851 Hamburg, Germany. 
Etoile Du Deseret, (French) 1851, Paris, France. 
Zion's Watchman, 1853, Sydney, New South Wales. 
Le Reflecteur, (French) 1853, Geneva, Switzerland. 
The Seer, 1853, Washington, D. C. 
Journal of Discourses, 1853, Liverpool, England. 
L. D. S. Millennial Star and Monthly Visitor, 1854, Ma- 
dras, India. 
St. Louis Luminary, 1854, St. Louis, Missouri. 
The Mormon, 1855, New York City, New York. 
The Western Standard, 1856, San Francisco, California. 
Der Darsteller, (German) 1856, Geneva, Switzerland. 
Die^Reform, (German) 1862, Geneva, Switzerland. 
Juvenile Instructor, 1866, Salt Lake City, Utah. 
Der Stern, (German) 1869, Zurich, Switzerland. 
The Woman's Exponent, 1872, Salt Lake City, Utah, 
Utah Posten, (Danish and Norwegian) 1873, Salt Lake 

City, Utah. 
Bikuben, (Danish and Norwegian) 1876, Salt Lake City, 

Utah. 
Nordstjernan, 1877, Goteborg, Sweden. 
The Contributor, 1879, Salt Lake City, Utah. 
Ungdommens Raadgiver (Danish and Norwegian) 1880, 

Copenhagen, Denmark. 
Morgenstjernen (Danish and Norwegian) 1882, Salt Lake 

City, Utah. 
Church and Farm, 1885, Salt Lake City, Utah. 



APPENDIX 675 

Svenska Harolden, 1885, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Historical Record, 1886, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Young Woman's Journal, 1889, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Truth's Reflex, 1889, St. John, Kansas. 

Der Beobachter, (German) 1890, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

De Ster, (Dutch) 1896, Rotterdam, Holland. 

Improvement Era, 1897, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Southern Star, 1898, Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

Utah Posten, (Swedish) 1900, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Children's Friend, 1902, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

The Elders' Journal, 1903, Atlanta, Georgia. 

The Mesenger, 1907, Auckland, New Zealand. 

Liahona, 1907, Independence, Missouri. 

Ka Elele Oiaio, 1909, Honolulu, Hawaii. 



LIST OF AUTHORITIES AND BOOKS OF 
REFERENCE 

Journal History (Manuscript), 1830-1921. 

Far West Record (Manuscript). 

Evening and Morning Star, 1832-1834. 

Messenger and Adovcate, 1834-1836. 

Times and Seasons, 1839-1846. 

Millennial Star, 1840-1921. 

Documentary History of the Church, vols. 1-6. 

Missouri Persecutions, Parley P. Pratt. 

Era of the Protestant Revolution, Frederick Seebohm. 

The Rise of the Dutch Republic, John Lathrop Motley. 

The British Nation, George M. Wrong. 

Topsfield Historical Collections, vols. 1-8. 

The Mack Genealogy, Sophia Smith Martin. 

Five Colonial Families, vols. 1-2. 

History of the Prophet Joseph, Lucy Mack Smith. 

Orson Pratt's Works, Orson Pratt. 

History of the Church, Juvenile Instructor, vols. 7-19. 

The Contributor, vol. 17. 

Improvement Era, vols. 1-24. 

Deseret News, 1850-1921. 

M. I. A. Manual, 1918-1919. 

Life of Joseph Smith, George Q. Cannon. 

Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt. 

Life of Heber C. Kimball, Orson F. Whitney. 

Life of John Taylor, Brigham H. Roberts. 

Wilford Woodruff, His Life and Labors, M. F. Cowley. 

Biography of Lorenzo Snow, Eliza R. Snow. 

History of the Mormon Church (Americana), B. H. Roberts. 

History of Utah, Orson F. Whitney. 

Whitney's Popular History of Utah, Orson F. Whitney. 

History of Utah, H. H. Bancroft. 

Women of Mormondom, Edward W. Tullidge. 

Historical Record, Andrew Jenson. 

Ghurch Chronology, Andrew Jenson. 

Missouri Persecutions, Brigham H. Roberts. 

Rise and Fall of Nauvoo, Brigham H. Roberts. 

A Brief History of the Church, Edward H. Anderson. 

The Mormon Battalion, Daniel Tyler. 

Conquest of New Mexico and California, Col. P. St. 

George Cooke. 
The Restoration of the Gospel, Osborne J. P. Widstoe. 
One Hundred Years of Mormonism, John Henry Evans. 



Index 



Abbot, Hiram, killed at Haun's Mill, Articles of Faith, 317. 

235. Atchison, David R., counsel for the 

"Abominable Church," to be destroyed, Saints, 163; takes witnesses to In- 

149. dependence, 167; report of, to Gov. 

Abraham, pays tithes, 3; receives Priest- Boggs, 228; false report of, 229, 230; 

hood, 3. dismounted, 237; presents petition 

Adam, transgression of, 2; baptized and to Legislature, 250. 

ordained, 2; to be at the head. 211; Austin, Dr., raises mob, 220; lays siege 

to hold council before Christ comes, to Diahman, 220; lays siege to De 

275. Witt, 220, 221. 

Adam-ondi-Ahman, 211, 212. Avard, Sampson, 248. 

"A Lamb to the Slaughter," 376. Avery, Daniel, 355. 

Alexander, Col. E. B., 502, 503, 504. Avery, Philander, 355. 

Allen, Charles, Abused by mob, 160. 

Allen, Felatiah (mobber), 146. Babbitt, Almon W., 418; death of, 487. 

Allen, Captain James, 408, 409, 422, 424. Babylon to "fall, 23. 

Allred, James, kidnapped by Missour- Backenstos, Sheriff J. B., 394, 398. 

ians, 299. Baldwin, Caleb, in Liberty prison, 249. 

America, a land of Freedom, 21, 22. Ballantyne, Richard, 415. 

American Party, The, 628. Baptism, how performed, 88; in the 

Amnesty, granted to the Saints, 609. Temple, 310. 

Amos, prophecy of, 6. Baptism for the Dead, doctrine of, first 

Ancient of Days, coming of, 7. taught, 304; declared to the Apos- 

Anderson, August L., death of, 418. ties, 305; performed in the river, 

Anderson, Captain William, death of, 305, 310. 

418. Barber, Andrew, death of, 164. 

Angels, residence of. 335. Baskin, Robert N., 605. 

Anti-Bigamy Law, 529. Bates, Geo. C, 559. 

Anti-"Mormon" Mass Meeting, 395, Battalion, the Mormon, 409; President 

397; Legislation, 541. Young's instruction to, 410; reason 

Anthon, Prof. Charles, 62, 64. for call of, 410; call of, 422. 

Apostles, in Meridian of Time, 4; call Battle of the Blue, 164. 

of, by revelation, 85; choosing of the Benner, Elias, killed at Haun's Mill, 

twelve, 180, 181; testimony of, 185; 235. 

go to England, 214; foreign Mission Bennett, John C, Mayor of Nauvoo, 
of, 274; epistle of the, 276; return 272, 320; major general of Legion, 
of, from England, 285; meeting oi, 320; immorality of, exposed, 321; re- 
with high council in Nauvoo, 387; signs as Mayor, 321; joins with Mis- 
sustained as presiding council, 388, sourians, 322; writes to Sidney Rig- 
389; reply to anti-"Mormon" mass don and Orson Pratt, 331; flight to 
meeting, 395, 396; vacancies in coun- Missouri, 343. 
cil of, filled, 472. Benson, A. G., 403. 

Appeal to Washington, 287, 288, 292. Benson, Ezra T., ordination of, to apos* 

Arch-Bishop Arundel, denounces scrip- tleship, 409; journey of, back to the 

ture reading, 17. Missouri River, 459; preaches at first 

Army in Utah, 497, 510, 518, 526. meeting in Salt Lake Valley, 451, 



678 INDEX 

Bent, Samuel, appointed to preside at Brown. Alanson, kidnapped by Mis- 
Garden Grove, 406. sourians, 299. 
Bernhisel, John, dent to Carthage to Brown, Captain James, 432, 445, 458, 
see Gov. Ford, 369. 471, 484. 

Berry, William S., murder of, 597. Brown, John, 462. 

Bettisworth, Constable David, 367, 384. Brown, Samuel, 471. 

Bible, revision of, 138. Browning, O. H., defends Joseph 

Birch, Judge, 255. Smith, 301; aid of, to anti-"Mor- 

Birth, the first, in Salt Lake Valley, mons," 398. 

456. Brunson, Seymour, death of, 297. 

Black, Adam, 217. Buchanan, James, 496, 510. 

Black, Jeremiah S., 523. Bullock, Thomas, clerk of pioneer 

Blair, Seth M., 477. camp, 438. 

Bogart, Rev. Samuel (mobber), 223, Bulls, battle with wild, 428. 
225, 236, 241, 248. Bunker, Edward, 485, 486. 

Boggs, Gov. Lilburn W., 165; issues Butler, John L., opposes mob at Gal- 
order to B. M. Lisle, 219; accepts latin, 216. 
evil report, 228; orders of, to Gen. Butterfield, Justin, 328, 330. 
Clark, 230; order of extermination Bureau of Information, 625. 
of, 221 and note; orders Military Byers, John, killed at Haun's Mill, 235. 
Court in Daviess County, 247; shoot- 
ing of, 322; makes accusation against Cahoon, Reynolds, 154, 374; accuses the 
Joseph Smith and O. P. Rockwell, Prophet of fleeing from the flock, 374. 
323; removal of, to Oregon, 443. Caldwell County, organization of, 196. 

Bolton, Curtis E., 419, 496. Calhoun, John C, 356. 

Bordeaux, Mr., 443. California Star, The, 445. 

Boyce, Benjamin, kidnapped by Mis- California Volunteers, 530. 

sourians, 299. Campbell, Alexander, killed at Haun's 

Boynton, John F., chosen an apostle, Mill, 235. 

181; apostasy of, 200. Campbell, John E., defends Nauvoo, 419. 

Boyington, Dr., incites mob, 103. Campbell, Sheriff, 346, 347. 

Book of Abraham, 183; translation of, Campbellites, see Disciples. 
315. Cannon, Abraham H., called to Apos- 

Book of Commandments, 147. tleship, 603. 

Book of Mormon, printed, 81; copy- Cannon, George Q., mission of, to Ha- 
right of, 83; contains fulness of Gos- waii, 484; imprisoned by Judge Emer- 
pel, 87; the record of a fallen peo- son, 584; first counselor to President 
pie, 87; British copyright of, 281. John Taylor, 589; chosen counselor 

Booth, Ezra, apostasy of, 138. by President Wilford Woodruff, 603; 

Brandebury, Lemuel C, 477, 478. death of, 621. 

Brannan, Samuel, 401, 403, 432, 445, Carlin, John (mobber), 416, 418. 

446. Carlin, Gov. Thomas, acknowledges 

Brassfield, S. Newton, 534. requisition from Missouri, 324; offers 

Brazeale, Hugh L. (mobber), 164. reward for capture of Joseph Smith, 

Bridger, Col. James, 445. 328. 

Bridger, Fort, 505. Carter, Gideon, death of, 224. 

British Mission, 200. Carter, Jared, 169. 

Brocchus, Judge Perry C, 477, 478. Case, James, 437. 

Brockman, Thomas S. (mobber), 416, Catholic Church, (See Rome, Church 
418. of). 






INDEX 



679 



Caton, Judge, J. D., 346. 

Celestial Kingdom, 149. 

Central Pacific R. R., 541. 

Chase, Darwin, £49, 262. 

Children to be taught, 141. 

Chislett, John, 489. 

Chittenden, J. B. (mobber), 416. 

Cholera, in Zion's Camp, 177. 

Church of Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith 

called to restore, 23. 
Church Government, revelation on, 86. 
Christ, chosen before foundations of 
the world, 1; came to fulfil law, 4; 
second advent of, 7, 21, 23; Church 
of, not established by reformers, 19; 
building up of Church of, 84; the 
light of truth, 149. 
Clark, Hiram, 337. 

Clark, Gen., harrangue of, 245, 246; 
makes false charges against prison- 
ers, 247. 
Clawson, Rudger, present at death 
of Joseph Standing, 585 ; trial of, 
598; comments of, before the court, 
599; called to apostleship, 615; Presi- 
dent of the Twelve Apostles, 641. 
Clay, Henry, 356. 

Clayton, William, in presidency of 
British Mission, 210, 435; warns Jo- 
seph Smith at Dixon, 344; carries 
message to Nauvoo, 347. 
Cleminson, John, 236. 
Cleveland, Grover, 599, 612, 613. 
Clifford, Benjamin, Jr., 417, 418. 
Coe, Joseph, 128, 152, 169, 200. 
Colesville Branch, 69, 70; removes to 
Ohio, 120, 127; arrival of, in Mis- 
souri, 129. 
Colfax, Schuyler, 550. 
Colonies, organization of, 565. 
Coltrin, Zebedee, chosen a Seventy, 182. 
Columbus, guided by Spirit of the 

Lord, 19. 
Commandments, to be kept, 135, 137; 
to be published, 140; dedication of, 
142. 
Committee to locate lands, 265. 
Comstock, Nehemiah, 233. 
Condor, Martin, murder of, 597. 
Conference, the first, 96; the second, 



113; important, 126; first in Zion, 
134; special, held in November, 1831, 
140; the Amherst, 143; at Far West, 
207; special, held in Salt Lake Val- 
ley, 458; general, in April, 1919, 
postponed, 639. 

Congress, answer of, to appeal for re- 
dress, 292; Memorial of Joseph Smith 
to, 359. 

Connor, Patrick E., 530, 532, 551. 

Consecration, Zion to be built by, 156. 

Constantine, Christianity made state re- 
ligion by, 10. 

Constitution, guarantees of, 287. 

Constitutional Convention, The, 612. 

Convention, first political, in Salt Lake 
Valley, 476. 

Cooke, Col. Philip St. George, 426, 427, 
430. 

Co-operation, 543, 569. 

Cordon, Alfred, 482. 

Corrill, John, comment on injustice 
received, 164; replies to Judge Ry- 
land, 164; presents petition to legis- 
lature, 174; appointed historian, 207; 
disaffection of, 238. 

Council Meeting, at Council Bluffs, 409. 

Covenant, Everlasting, 6; The Mew, 
338, 340; renewal of, in Salt Lake 
Valley, 455. 

Cowdery, Marcellus F., 207. 

Cowdery, Oliver, writes for Joseph 
Smith, 67; goes to Harmony, 67; re- 
ceives Aaronic Priesthood, 67; bap- 
tized, 68; ordained second eld^r, 68, 
92; receives the Melchizedek Priest- 
hood, 69; transcribes the manuscript, 
83; preaches first discourse, 95; to 
keep the record, 98; threatened by 
mob, 103; commands Joseph, 109; to 
print text books, 129; ordained a 
high priest, 137; goes to Kirtland to 
report, 162; member of the high 
council, 169; covenants to pay tith- 
ing, 179; called to be assistant presi- 
dent, 179, 180; presides at general 
assembly, 184, 186; excommunicated, 
208, 209; blessing of, given to Hyrum 
Smith, 307, 308; return of, to the 
Church, 469; death of, 490. 



680 



INDEX 



Cowles, Austin, 364. 

Cowley, Matthias F., 630. 

Cox, Simeon, killed at Haun's Mill, 

235. 
Cradlebaugh, John, 520-525. 
Cragin Bill, 542. 
Crickets, Plague of, 467. 
Crisis, in the Church, 385. 
Crooked River, battle of, 223. 
Crusade, against the Church, 604, 605. 
Cullom Bill, 543. 
Cumming, Gov. Alfred. 502, 506, 507; 

letters of, to Gen. Johnston and Secy. 

Cass, 508; report of, 519; departure 

of, 526; opposition of, to plotters, 526; 

attempt made to remove, 524. 
Curtis, John, 25. 
Cutler, William L., defends Nauvoo, 

419. 

Daniel, prophecy of, 7, 23. 

"Danites," 226, and note 227. 

Davidson, James, defends Joseph Smith, 
100, 101. 

Death, the first, in Salt Lake Valley, 
456. 

Delaware Indians, Gospel preached to, 
118. 

Democratic Association of Quincy, 264. 

Denunciation of 'false Doctrines, 49. 

"Deseret," 476. 

Deseret Telegraph, 539. 

De Trobriand, General, 552. 

Dibble, Philo, miraculously healed, 164. 

Dillworth, Mary Ann, 457. 

"Disciples" (Campbellites), 114, 115. 

Dispensation, of the Meridian of Time, 
4; of the Fulness of Times, 20. 

Dixon, Joseph, false report of, 228. 

Doctrine and Covenants, 184. 

Doniphan, Alexander W., counsel for 
the Saints, 163; defends the Saints, 
175; at siege of Far West, 236; re- 
fuses to obey order to shoot Joseph 
Smith, 241; 426. 

Douglas, Stephen A., 301, 320, 347, 398. 

Drake, Thomas J., 528. 

Drummond, William W„ 494. 

Duncan, Chapman, 484. 

Dunham, Jonathan, 358. 



Dunklin, Gov., replies to petition, 162; 
futility of his advice, 163; petitioned 
by the Saints, 172; his reply, 172, 
173; dishonorable action, 193. 

Duty, Mary, grandmother of Joseph 
Smith, 27, 29. 

Earth, to be a celestial body, 149; to be 
a Urim and Thummim, 335. 

Eaton, M. G., affidavit of, 364. 

Echo Canyon, 508. 

Eckles, Delano R., Judge, 506, 519, 521, 

Eden, Garden of, 1, 2. 

Edmunds Bill, 592. 

Edmunds-Tucker Law, 600. 

Education, 571. 

Elias, appears in Kirtland Temple, 191. 

Elijah, coming of, spoken of by Mo- 
roni, 52; appears in Kirtland Tem- 
ple, 191; keys of sealing held by, 340. 

iillsworth, Edmund, 485. 

Emmett, James, 359. 

England, Church of, established, 20. 

Englebrecht Case, 556, 559. 

Ensign, a place for an, 453. 

Epistles, from .Liberty prison, 253. 

Erasmus, New Testament translation 
of, 17. 

Escheatment of Church property, 601. 

Escheated Property, return of, 613. 

Ether, prophecy of concerning Zion 
(New Jerusalem) and note, 134. 

Evans, David, at Haun's Mill Massacre, 
234. 

Evarts, Secretary William M., 584. 

Eve, teaches Gospel to children, 2. 

Everett, Addison, 437. 

Ewing, Rev. Finis, incites mob, 156. 

Exodus, from NauvoO, 401, 404; of 
Saints to Southern Utah, 508. 

Exploration, proposition of Pioneers, 
406, 408. 

Expulsion of Saints, from Missouri, 
250, 258. 

Fall, all men subject to the, 1. 
Fancher, Captain, 513. 
Farney, Jacob, 509, 512. 
Far West, a gathering place, 210; tem- 
ple to be built at, 210, 212. 



INDEX 



681 



.Feast of the Harvest. 469. 

Ferris, Benjamin G, 479. 

Fielding, Rev. Tames, 202, 203. 

Fielding, Joseph, 201, 202, 210. 

First Presidency, organization of, 462. 
463. 

Fitch, Thomas, 558. 

Floyd, Camp, 520. 

Follett, King, imprisonment and release, 
258, 259. 

Ford, Gov. Thomas, Joseph Smith, ap- 
peals to, 369: demand of, that Jo- 
seph Smith should go to Carthage. 
370; threat of, 373, 374; promise of, 
to the mob militia, 376; inflamatory 
speech of, 377; lack of sinceriv ::'. 
577; broken pledge of, 379; terror of, 
384; flees to Quincy, 384; attitude of, 
towards the Saints, 392; report of, to 
legislature, 392, 393; duplicity of, 398. 

Fordham, Elijah, healing of, 269, 270. 

Forsgren, John E., 483. 

Fort, Old. (See Old Fort.) 

Foster, Charles A., 364, 365. 

Foster, Robert D., accompanies Joseya 
Smith on way to Washington, 28v, 
in league with apostates, 364, 
365. 

"Frontier Guardian,'"' 466. 

Fuller, Josiah, killed at Haun's Mill. 
235. 

Fullmer, Almon, defends Nauvoo, 419. 

Fullmer, David, 359. 

Fullmer, John S., 380, 418. 

r.d, Dr. Isaac, 266, 300. 
Garden Grove, 406. 
Gates, Lydia, grandmother of Joseph 

Smith, 30. 
Gentiles, times of, soon to come in, 52; 

Book of Mormon to go to the, 58; 

Gospel to be declared to, 85, 87; 

O'.iver Cowdery the first preacher to 

the, 93. 
Gentile Exodus, proposed, 536. 
Gibbs, John FL, murder of, 597. 
Gibbs, Luman, in Richmond Prison, 

249. 
Gifford, Alpheus, 151. 
Gilbert, Algernon S., 128; agent to re- 



ceive money, 130; offers himself a 
ransom, 161; replies to Judge Ry- 
land, 174. 

Gilliam, Cornelius (mobber), 222, 237. 

Godbe, William S., 546. 

Godbeite Movement, 546, 557. 

Godhead, doctrine of, changed, 10. 

Goodson, John, british missionary, 201, 
202. 

Gospel, older than the Law of Moses, 
1; rejected in days of Noah, 2; ful- 
ness of, 3, 4: preached to Abraham, 
3; preached to the children of Is- 
rael, 3; perverted, 9; everlasting, 22, 
23, 51. 

Gould, John, 162. 

Graham, Gen., at siege of Far West. 
236. 

Grandin, Egbert B., prints the Book of 
Mormon, 81, 83. 

Grant, Jedediah M., carries message to 
Gov. Ford, 374; leads company of 
pioneers, 461; letter of, sent to Wash- 
ington, 479; called to the Presidency, 
491; death of, 492. 

Grant, Heber J., calling of, to apostle- 
ship, 589; opens Japanese Mission, 
621; sustained as President, 638. 

Grant, Ulysses S., 549. 

Grouard, Benjamin F., 337, 484. 

Grover, Thomas, 471. 

Gulls, miracle of the, 468. 

Gunnison, John W., 495 and note. 

Hadley, Samuel, 254. 

Haight, Hector C, 471. 

Haight, Isaac, 514, 515. 

Hale, Alva, 61. 

Hale, E m ma, becomes wife of Joseph 

Smith, 59. 
Hale, Isaac. 59, 62, 70. 
Hammer, Austin, killed at Haun's Mill, 

235. 
Hancock, Levi, chosen a Seventy, 182. 
Hand-cart Immigration, 484. 
Hanks, Ephraim K, 498. 
Hanks, Knowlton F., 337. 
Hansen, Peter O., 483. 
Harding, Stephen S., §27, 529. 
Harming, Gov., 529, 



682 



INDEX 



Harney, W. S., 502. 

Harris, Broughton D., 477, 478. 

Harris, Denison L., 362, 364. 

Harris, Emer, 362. 

Harris, Martin, revelation to, 85; bap- 
tized, 93; ordained a priest, 98; goes 
to Missouri, 128; disaffection of, 
206; dropped from high council, 
206; return of, to the Church, 554. 

Harris, Major Moses, discouraging re- 
port of, 445. 

Harrison, Benjamin, 609. 

Harrison, E. L. T., 546. 

Harvey, Major H. M., 412. 

Haslam, James H., 514. 

Haun's Mill Massacre, 233. 

Hebrew, taught in Kirtland, 186, 187. 

Hempstead, Charles H., 531, 533, 558. 

Henry VIII, Bible reading prohibited 
in reign of, 17*; revolt of, from Rome, 
19, 20. 

Heywood, J. L., 418, 477. 

Higbee, Chauncy L., excommunication 
of, 322; in league with apostates, 364, 
365. 

Higbee, Elias, appointed historian, 207; 
goes to Washington, 293. 

Higbee, Francis M., complaint of, 
against Joseph Smith, 367. 

Higgins, Captain Nelson, 427, 455. 

High Council, organization of first, 169; 
organization of, in Missouri, 178. 

High Priests, first ordained, 126. 

Hill Cumorah, 55, 60. 

Hinckle, George M., commands force at 
De Witt, 223; treachery of, 238, 239; 
at court martial, 241; testifies against 
prisoners, 248. 

Holy Ghost, sign of, 335. 

Home Industries, 533. 

Home, Joseph, 461. 

Hotchkiss, Horace R., 268. 

Hubble, Mrs., spurious revelations of, 123. 

Hudson, John R., murder of, 597. 

Hunt, Capt. Jefferson, 424. 

Huntington, William, 259, 407. 

Hunter, Edward, 461, 482. 

Huntly, Aaron, 30. 

Hurlburt, Philastus, apostate, 154, 155 
(-note) 155. 



Hurt, Garland, 495. 

Hyde, Orson, sent to Jefferson City 
with petition, 162; member of high 
council, 169; delegate sent to see 
Governor Dunklin, 172; chosen an 
apostle, 181; set apart for British 
Mission, 201; returns from England, 
209; false affidavit of 225, 226; 
return of, to tne Church, 227; 
set apart for mission to Pales- 
tine, 277; departure of, for Pales- 
tine, 284; dedicates Palestine, 312, 
314; sent to Washington, 360; arrival 
of, at pioneer camp, 408; return of, 
from England, 437; presides at 
Kanesville, 466, 470. 

Indians, Catteraugus, Gospel preached 
to, 117, 118; Wyandots, Gospel 
preached to, 117, 118. 

Indulgences, sale of, 12. 

Isaiah, prophecy of, 6, 52, 133. 

Israel, children of, Book of Mormon 
to go to, 58. 

Israelites, subject to Law of Moses, 1, 3. 

Intelligence, Glory of God is, 149. 

Ivins, Anthony W., counselor in Presi- 
dency, 641. 

Jacobs, Henry, 226, 227. 
James, promise of tested, 42. 
Jerusalem, New, see Zion. 
Jennings, Col. William O., 233, 234, 

237. 
Jews, attitude of, toward Christ, (note) 

314, 316. 
Joel, quoted by Moroni, 52. 
John the Baptist, ordains Joseph and 

Oliver, 67; preaching of, 334. 
John, the Revelator, vision of, 23; ml* 

sion of, 126. 
Johnson, John, conference at home of, 

142; member of high council, 169. 
Johnson, Luke S., member of high 

council, 169; chosen an apostle, 181; 

apostasy of, 200. 
Johnson, Lyman E., chosen an apostle, 

181; excommunicated, 209. 
Johnston, Albert Sidney, 502, 505, 509, 

523, 526. 



INDEX 683 

Jones, Dan, 337; goes to rescue of Jo- Law, Carnal, (see Moses, Law of). 

seph Smith, 348; in Carthage jail, Law, Saints to keep, 130, 131; given to 

380; interview with Gov. Ford, 381. govern the Church, 122. 

Jubilee, The Pioneer, 613. Law, William, 362, 364, 365. 

Law, Wilson, 272. 

Kane, J. K, 413. Lawrence, Henry W., 546. 

Kane, Col. Thomas L., 405, 409, 412, Learning, Revival of, 15. 

413, 477, 479, 506, 524. L ee, j oha> killed at Haun's Mill, 235. 

Kearney, Col. S. W., 422, 424. Legislation, against the "Mormons," 

Kendall, Amos, 403. 529, 544, 591. 

Keys of Kingdom, 152. Lewis, Benjamin, killed at Haun's Mill, 

Keys of Priesthood, 276. 235. 

Kelsey, Eli B., 546. Lewis, James, 484. 

Kimball, Heber C, visits Joseph Smith, Lewis, Joshua, conference held at home 

151; chosen an Apostle, 181; loyalty f f 135. 

of, 199; called to open British Mis- Lewis. Tarlton, 437. 

sion, 201; returns from England, 209; Liberal Party, 547, 609. 

petitions Missouri Legislature, 250; Liberty Prison, 249, 252, 253. 

goes to Jefferson City, 255; assists Lincoln, Abraham, message of, to Presi- 

Saints to leave Missouri, 259; fulfils d ent Young, 527. 

prophecy at Far West, 261; departs Linville, Thomas (mobber), 164. 

for England, 277; departure for the Little, Feramorz, 489. . 

West, 401; in command of division Little, Jesse C, 411, 462. 

of exiles, 405; preaches at first meet- Loyalty, of the Saints to the Govern- 
ing in Salt Lake Valley, 451; first m ent 399. 

counselor in First Presidency, 463; at L ucas, Robert, Gov. of Iowa, 257, 266. 

laying of cornerstones of S. L. Tern- L ucas, Samuel D., secretary of mob 

pie, 482; death of, 540. gathering, 157; threats of, against the 

Kimball, Hiram, 268, 374, 495. Saints, 228; false report of, 230; in 

King, Austin A., 219, 241, 255. command of troops, 236; order of, to 

King Charles V., 11; introduced In- Doniphan to shoot prisoners, 241. 

quisition, 17. Lund, Anthon H., called to Apostleship, 

King, James (mobber), 416. 60 3 ; counselor to President Joseph 

Kingdom of God, 334. F . Smith, 623; counselor in Presi- 

Kinney, John F., 494. dency, 633, 638; death of, 640. 

Kirtland Camp (Seventies), 214. Luther, Martin, 13, 19, 20. 

Kirtland Safety Society, 196; failure Lyman, Amasa, condemned to be shot, 

of, 197, 198. 241; apostasy of, 539. 
Kirtland Temple, see Temple (Kirt- 
land). 
Kneighton, Henry, denounces scripture 

reading, 16. 
Knight, Joseph, Sen., 70, 99. 
Knight, Joseph, Jr., baptized, 99. 
Knight, Newel, 95; miraculously healed, 

96; baptized, 96, 97; vision of, 98. 



McArthur, Daniel, 485. 

McAuley, John (mobber), 414. 

McBride, Thomas, killed at Haun's 
Mill, 235. 

McClernand, General John A., 606. 

McClintic, Mr. (mobber), 146. 

McCullock, Ben, 509. 

McCurdy, Solomon P., 534. 
Laban, sword of, 74. McDonald, A. F., 552. 

Lamborn, Josiah, 331. McDuffee, Senator George H., remarks 

Lameraux, Andrew L., defends Nauvoo, of, concerning the Rocky Mountains, 
419. 446. 



684 



INDEX 



Mcllwaine's Bend, revelation given at, 
135, 136. 

McKean, James B., 550, 558, 561. 

McLellin, William E., folly of, 141; 
chosen an Apostle, 181; excommuni- 
cated, 209. 

McMaster, Cyrus, incites mob, 103. 

McRae, Alexander, in Liberty Prison, 
249; escapes from Missouri, 256; de- 
fends Nauvoo, 419. 

Mack, Ebenezer, 30. 

Mack family of Connecticut, 30, 32. 

Mack, Jason, 31. 

Mack, John, ancestor of Joseph Smith, 
29, 30. 

Mack, Solomon, patriotic services of, 
31, 32. 

Mack, Stephen, 31, 32. 

Magraw, W. M., 495. 

Malachi, quoted by Moroni, 52. 

Manifesto, The, 606, 607, 608, 609. 

Mann, S. A., 549, 550. 

Manuscript, lost by Martin Harris, 6"i, 
66. 

Margetts, Thomas, 488. 

Markham, Stephen, warns Joseph 
Smith at Dixon, 344, 348; in 
Carthage Jail, 380 ; in command of 
company to build roads, 406. 

Marks, William, calls special meeting, 
387; rejection of, 390. 

Marriage, eternity of, 337; plural, re- 

' vealed, 341; announcement made, 480. 

Marsh, Thomas B., chosen an Apostle, 
181; apostasy of 225; affidavit of, 
226; return of, to the Church (note), 
227. 

Massacre, Mountain Meadows, 511, 516. 

Massacre, The Tennessee, 597. 

Mass Meeting, anti-"Mormon," held at 
Quincy, 395. 

Martyrdom, The, 382, 383. 

Marvelous Work and a Wonder, 22. 

Melchizedek, king of Salem, 2. 

Merrick, Charles, killed at Haun's Mill, 

235. 
Merrick, Levi N., killed at Haun's 
Mill, 235. 

Merrill, Marriner W., called to Apos- 
tleship, 603. 



Merrill, Philemon C, 431. 

Mexico, the Saints in, 634. 

Miles Case, the, 579. 

Miller, Daniel, 471. 

Miller, Eleazer, 151. 

Miller, Bishop George, 462. 

Miller, William, 552. 

Millennial Star, first issued, 280. 

Melling, Peter, 281. 

Mining in Utah, 531. 

Ministers (Protestant), opposition of, 
578. 

Miracle, the first, 96. 

Miraculous healing, 269. 

Missions, 574. 

Mitchel, Dr. Samuel L., 62, 63. 

Mob, Joseph Smith threatened by, 103; 
violence of, in Hiram, 145; in Zion, 
152, 155; council of, 157; declara- 
tion of, 158; demands of, 159; re- 
port of committee of, 160; vengeance 
of, 160; second gathering of, in Zion, 
160; threatens to kill all members of 
the Church, 161; force the Saints to 
agree to leave Jackson County, 161; 
breaks contract, 162; makes raids, 163, 
164; makes threats against Ziiu's 
Camp, 173; dispersed by a storm, 
174; makes proposition to buy or 
sell lands, 174, 175; unfairness of 
the proposition of, 175; kidnapping 
of Alanson Brown and others by, 
299; threats of vengeance by, 326; 
gathering of, at Carthage, 367; 
threats of, 368; threats of, at Carth- 
age, 379; plotting of, at Carthage, 
380, 381; terror of, 384; activities 
of, renewed, 392; uprising of, at Nau- 

. voo, 413; attack by, on Nauvoo, 417; 
violation of treaty of Nauvoo by, 
420. 

Montgomery, N. (mobber), 416. 

Morley, Isaac, joins the Church, 116; 
offers himself as a ransom, 161. 

Mormon Battalion, equipment of, 423; 
line of march of the, 425; discharged, 
431; arrival of members of, from 
Pueblo, 447; arrival of members Qf^ in 
Salt Lake Valley, 455, 



INDEX 



685 



Moroni, Angel, appearance of, to Jo- 
seph Smith, 51, 53, 54; gives plates 
to Joseph Smith, 60. 

Morrill, Justin R., 529. 

Moses, appears in Kirtland Temple, 
191. 

Moses, Book of, 315. 

Moses, Julian, 457. 

Moses, Law of, 1, 3, 4, 6; annulled, 4. 

Moses, Words of revealed i 105. 

Motley, John Lathrop (quoted), 11, 
12, 13, 17. 

Mountain Meadows, Massacre at, 511, 
516. 

Mountfort, Henry de, 13. 

Mount Pisgah, 407. 

Mulholland, James, 297. 

Murderers, trial of the, of Joseph and 
Hyrum Smith, 391. 

Murdock, John, joins the Church, 116; 
484. 

Murray, Gov. Eli, 598. 

Mysteries, to be revealed to the faith- 
ful, 137. 

Napier, William, killed at Haun's Mill, 

235. 
Nauvoo, Charter of, 271; University 

of, 271; Legion, 271, 272; founding 

of, 267; meaning of, 267, 268; 

charter of, attempt to repeal, 336; 

growth of, 353; under martial law, 

369; repeal of the Charter, 393; 

preparation of Saints to leave, 399; 

abandonment of, 401; attack upon, 

by mob, 417; battle of, 418. 
Nauvoo House, 306. 
Nauvoo Expositor, 365; declared a 

nuisance, 366. 
Netherlands, Indulgences in the, 13, 

17, 19. 
New Jerusalem, see Zion. 
Newman, Rev. J. P.. 550, 554. 
"New Movement," The, 546. 
News, the Deseret. 479. 
Noble, Joseph B., leads company of 

pioneers, 461. 
Norris, David, death of, 418. 

Obanion, Patrick, death of, 224, 225. 



Old Fort, The, 456, 457. 
"Olive Leaf," the (Sec. 88), 148. 
''One Mighty and Strong," 148. 
Only Begotten of the Father, 2. 
Owens, Samuel C, (mobber), 175, 343. 

Page, Hiram, witness of Book of Mor- 
mon, 78; ordained a teacher, 98; 
spurious revelation of, 111, 112; 
apostasy of, 209. 

Page, John E., called to apostleship, 
214, 260; set apart for mission to 
Palestine, 277; sent to Washington, 
360; excommunication of, 463. 

Palestine, Orson Hyde's mission to, 
284; dedication of, 312. 

Parker, Major, 416. 

Parks, Gen., at siege of Far West, 236. 

Parliament of Religions, 611. 

Parrish, Warren, sees vision, 189; 
apostasy of, 200. 

Patrick, Shepherd G., 345. 

Partridge, i-dward, joins the Ciiurch, 
116, 119; visits Joseph Smith, 119; 
ordained a bishop, 122; goes to Mis- 
souri, 128; to be bishop in Zion, 130; 
abused by mob, 160; offers himself 
a ransom, 161; lays cornerstone of 
temple at Far West, 212; death of, 
297. 

Patten, David W., chosen an Apostle, 
181; death of, 223, 224. 

Paul, Apostasy predicted by, 7, 8, 46. 

Peace Commission, the, 519. 

Peniston, William P. (mobber), 216, 
217. 

Penrose, Charles W., counselor in 
Presidency, 633; counselor to Presi- 
dent Grant, 638. 

People's Party, 609. 

Perpetual Emigration Company, 473, 
600. 

Persecution, Campaign of, 595. 

Peters, Rev. J. H., 591. 

Peterson, Ziba, 114. 

Phelps, Morris, in Richmond prison, 
249. 

Phelps, William W., goes to Missouri, 
128; preaches in Jackson County, 
129; appointed to assist Oliver Cow- 



686 INDEX 

dery in printing, 129; vision of, at neers, 461; at laying of cornerstones 

Mcllwaine's Bend, 135; offers him- of S. L. Temple, 482; death of, 492, 

self a ransom, 161; sent to Jefferson 493. 

City with petition, 162; makes com- Presidency, First, organized, 151, 152. 

ments on attitude of state officials, Priesthood, after the order of the Son 

167; rejected by the Saints, 206; ex- of God, 2; given to Adam and Pa- 
communicated, 207; meets with Lu- triarchs, 3; Higher, taken from Is- 

cas and his aids, 238; gives testimony rael, 3; Lesser, holds keys of prepara- 

against prisoners, 248; return of, to tory Gospel, 3; Aaronic, restored, 67; 

the Church, 296. Melchizedek, held by Peter, James 

Pickett, William, 416, 419. and John, 67; ordinations to the, 97; 

Pierce, Pres. Franklin, 496. Patriarchal, conferred, 168; revelation 

Pioneer Monument, 613. on (Sec. 84), 184; fulness of, 303. 

Pioneers, departure of, for the West, Printing Press, to be purchased, 138; 

436; organization of camp of, 437, paper purchased for, 146. 

438; regulation in camp of the, 439; Prophecy, fulfilment of, 177, 260; on 

route of travel of the, 439; dangers removal of Saints to Rocky Moun- 

met by the, on the way, 441; cor- tains, 324, 635. 

respondence of the, on the plains, Prophets, School of, (See School oi 

442; scientific observations of the, Prophets). 

442. Protest of Citizens against Reed iimoot, 
Pitcher, Col. Thomas, 165, 166. 626. 

Pixley, Rev., incites mob, 156. Protest of Women against legislation, 
Poland Law, the, 560. 545. 

Pope Judge 331. Protestant Revolution, a preparatory 
Powell, S. W., 509. work, 21, 22. 

Pratt Addison, 337, 484. Provisional Government, organization 
Pratt, Orson, chosen an Apostle, 181; of, 476. 

gives letter from Bennett to Joseph Provo Riot, 551. 

Smith, 332; sent to Washington, 360; Punishment, Eternal, explained, 85, 86. 

observations made by, 442; leads van- 
guard into Salt Lake Valley, 448, Quincy Committee, 418. 

449; remarks of, at first meeting in 

Salt Lake Valley, 451; survey of Salt Railroad, transcontinental, 540. 

Lake City by, 454; called to preside Rawlins, Fort, 552. 

in Great Britain, 462; discussion of, Rawlins, Joseph L., 612. 

with J. P. Newman, 554; death of, Record, Oliver Cowdery to keep, 98. 

589. Records, to be kept, 92. 

Pratt, Parley P., baptized; mission to Recreation of the Latter-day Saints, 

Lamanites, 114; returns to Ohio, 570. 

118; ordained a high priest, 126; Redeemer, provided in the beginning, 2. 

delegate sent to see Governor Dunk- Reed-Donner Party, 448. 

lin, 173; chosen an apostle, 181; Reed, Lazarus H., 479, 494. 

taken prisoner at Far West, 238, 239; Reese, Amos, counsel for Saints, 163; 

relates story of Prophet's rebuke at false report of, 229. 

Richmond prison, 244, 245; in Rich- Reformation, 16, 19. 

mond prison, 249; escape of, 258; de- Reid, H. T. (attorney), 377. 

parture of, for the West, 401; at Mt. Reid, John, defends Joseph Smith, 100, 

Pisgah, 407; arrival of, from Eng- statement of, 101, 102. 

land, 436; leads company of pio- Relief Society, organization of, 318. 



INDEX 



687 



Restoration, the time of the, 22; rea- 
sonable to expect, 22. 

Requisition by Missouri, for Joseph 
Smith and others, 300. 

Revelations, to be published, 140; en- 
dorsement of, 140; criticism of, 141; 
arrangement of, 142; dedication of, 
142; of things kept from the world, 
306. 

Reynolds, George, 561, 576, 578. 

Reynolds, J. H., under arrest, 346, 347. 
350. 

Reynolds, Gov. Thomas, offers reward 
for capture of Joseph Smith, 328: 
requisition issued by, for Joseph 
Smith, 344. 

Rich, Charles C., seeks interview with 
Doniphan, 236, 237; leads company 
of pioneers, 461; calling of, to apos- 
tleship, 472; advice to emigrants, 513. 

Rich, Leonard, chosen a Seventy, 182. 

Richards, Franklin D., calling of to 
apostleship, 472. 

Richards, George S., killed at Haun's 
Mill, 235. 

Richards, Willard, loyalty of, 199; in 
presidency of British Mission, 210; 
called to apostleship, 214, 260; or- 
dained an apostle, 280; in Carthage 
jail, 380; escapes injury, 383; de- 
parture for the West, 401; remarks 
of, at first meeting in Salt Lake Val- 
ley, 451; second counselor in First 
Presidency, 463; editor of Deseret 
News, 480; death of, 491. 

Richmond Prison, 243, 245, 249, 254. 

Ridges, Joseph, 539. 

Rigdon, Sidney, joins the Church, 115, 
116; ordained a high priest, 126; goes 
to Missouri, 128; dedicates land of 
Zion, 132; exhorts Saints in Zion, 
135; writes for Joseph Smith, 139; 
commanded to labor with Joseph 
Smith, 143; beaten by mob in Hiram, 
145; counselor in First Presidency, 
151, 152; presides at general as- 
sembly, 184, 185; orator at Independ- 
ence Day celebration, 213; taken pris- 
oner at Far West, 238, 239; released 
from prison, 253, 254; elected a mem- 



ber of Nauvoo City Council, 272; at 
Quincy, 287; appointed to carry griev- 
ances to Washington, 289; receives a 
letter from J. C. Bennett, 331; as- 
sists in selecting brethren to go the 
West, 359; attempt of, to be guard- 
ian, 386; claims of, presented to the 
Saints, 387; rejection of, 389; ex- 
communication of, 390. 

Riley, Rev., (mobber) 175. 

Roberts, B. H., secures bodies of Elders 
Gibbs and Berry, 598; at Parliament 
of Religions, 611; case before Con- 
gress, 616; excluded from Congress, 
617, 618. 

Robinson, George W., appointed Church 
recorder, 207; taken prisoner at Far 
West, 238, 239. 

Robinson, Dr. J. King, 534. 

Rockwell, Orrin P., baptized, 93; ar- 
rested on Missouri charges, 325; re- 
lease of, from Missouri, 351, 352; 
story of, 352; accompanies Joseph 
Smith across the Mississippi River, 
373; on mail route, 498. 

Rockwood, Albert P., 321, 437. 

Rogers, Mr., murderer, at Haun's Mill. 
235. 

Rogers, David W., 266. 

Rogers, Noah, kidnapped by Missour- 
ians, 299, 337. 

Roman Empire, 7. 

Rome, Church of, 12, 16, 19, 20. 

Roundy, Shadrach, 437. 

Russell, Isaac, 201, 202. 

Ryder, Simonds (apostate), 146. 

Ryland, Judge, makes proposition to the 
Saints, 174. 

Sabbath Day, to be kept, 141. 

Sacrament, Corrupted, 10; revelatioi^ 
on, 110. 

Saints, to be gathered, 112; command- 
ed to go to Ohio, 120; remove from 
New York, 123, 125; employ coun- 
sel, 163; driven from Jackson 
County, 166; seek redress, 166; in- 
structed to importune for redress, 
170; make counter proposition to buy 
lands of mobbers, 176; rejected by 



688 



INDEX 



citizens of Clay County, 193, 194; 

reply to citizens of Clay County, 195, 

196; sorrow of, 384; attack upon 

the, 394; threats against, by mob, 417; 

attitude of, towards the rebellion, 527; 

gathering of, 565; progress of, 565. 
Salt Lake City, founding of, 453, 454; 

survey of, 454. 
Salt Lake Valley, dedication ot, 449, 

450; arrival of pioneers in tne, 450; 

first Sabbath in the, 451; explora 

tions of, 452. 
Salvation, Individual, 2; taught to 

Adam, 2. 
Sanderson, Dr. George B., 426. 
Satan, the Prince of Darkness, 58. 
School of Prophets, 149, 150, 151, 186. 
Scofield Disaster, 620. 
Sconce, Colonel, 174. 
Scott, Robert, 362, 364. 
Secrist, Jacob F., 471. 
Seebohm, Frederick (quoted), 11. 
Seixas, Professor, teaches Hebrew, 188. 
Sessions, Perrigrine, 471. 
Settlements, beginning of in Utah, 471 
Seventies, in Meridian of Time, 4. 
Seventy, organization of first quorum, 

182. 
Shaffer, J. Wilson, 549, 551, 552. 
Shaver, Leonidas, 479, 494. 
Shearer, Rev., opposes the work, 99, 

103. 
Shearer, Norman, in Richmond prison, 

249, 262. 
Sherman, J. H. (mobber), 416. 
Sherman, Lyman, chosen a Seventy, 

182. 
Sherman, William T., 535, 536. 
Sheets, Elijah F., 552. 
Simpson, Richard, chairman of mob 

gathering, 157. 
Sinclair, Charles E., 519, 521, 523. 
Singleton, James W. (mobber), 416. 
Sloan, James, 272, 337. 
Smith, Lieutenant A. H., 424, 426. 
Smith, Agnes, forced to wade Grand 

River, 222. 
Smith, Alma, wounded at Haun's Mill, 

235. 



Smith, Alvin, death of, 40, 59; in ce- 
lestial kingdom, 188. 

Smith, Asael, advice of, to family, 28, 
29; accepts Gospel, 105. 

Smith, Don Carlos, visits Stockholm, 
N. Y., 29; baptized, 98; to be re- 
membered by bishop of Zion, 143; 
death of, 311. 

Smith, Elias, 499. 

Smith, Emma, to select hymns, 107, 
147; appeal of to Gov. Carlin, 326, 
373. 

Smith, George A., baptized, 150; hauls 
first stone for Kirtland Temple, 154; 
ordained an apostle, 262; departs 
for England, 277, 279; departure of, 
for the West, 401; preaches at first 
meeting in Salt Lake Valley, 451; 
called to be historian, 491; call of, to 
the Presidency, 540; death of, 562. 

Smith, Hyrum, attends school at Han- 
over, 33; tenderness of, 34; assist- 
ance rendered by, 39; joins Presbyter- 
ian Church, 42; baptized, 71; witness 
of Book of Mormon, 78; at organiza- 
tion of Church, 91; ordained a priest, 
98; ordained a high priest, 126; to be 
remembered by bishop of Zion, 143; 
digs trench for Kirtland Temple, 154; 
called to be counselor to Joseph 
Smith, 204; supervises constitution 
of Kirtland Camp, 215; condemned to 
be shot, 241; taken to Independence, 
242; taken to Liberty, 249; escapes 
from Missouri, 256; elected a mem- 
ber of Nauvoo City Council, 272; 
calling of, to be patriarch, 306, 307; 
assists in selecting brethren to go 
west, 359; in consultation with breth- 
ren, 372; refusal of, to leave his 
brother, 372; leaves Nauvoo for the 
west, 373; return of, to Nauvoo, 374; 
departure of, for Carthage, 675; ar- 
rival at Carthage, 376; charged with 
treason, 376, 377; false imprisonment 
of, 377, 379; martyrdom of, 382, 383. 

Smith, Hyrum G., sustained as patri- 
arch, 633. 

Smith, Hyrum M. called to apostle- 
ship, 623. 



INDEX 



689 



Smith, John, member of the high 
council, 169; chosen to preside in 
Salt Lake Valley, 459, 461; chosen 
Patriarch, 464; death of, 491. 

Smith, John (Patriarch), death of, 633. 

Smith, John Henry, in constitutional 

Convention, 612; counselor in Presi- 
dency, 633; death of, 633. 

Smith, Joseph, the Prophet, ancestry 
of, 25; birth of, 32; affliction of, 33; 
removal of to New York, 38;. story 
of, 41; vision of the Father and the 
Son, 43; vision of, rejected by the 
world, 47; is visited by Moroni, 51, 
54; visits the Hill Cumorah, 55; is 
tempted, 56; receives the record, 60; 
importunes the Lord, is rebuked, 65; 
forbidden to translate, 66; translates, 
67; receives Aaronic Priesthood, 
67; baptized, 68; ordained first elder, 
68, 92; receives Melchizedek Priest- 
hood, 69; removes to Fayette, 70; 
to be called a seer, 92; visits 
Colesville, 95; is arrested, 100; trial 
at S. Bainbridge, 100; second arrest, 
100; taken to Colesville, 101; trial, 
101; threatened by mob, 103; receives 
words of Moses, 105; corrects Oliver 
Cowdery's error, 109; corrects Hiram 
Page, 111; moves to Kirtland, 122; 
ordained a high priest, 126; goes to 
Missouri, 128; dedicates temple site 
in Zion, 134; returns to Kirtland, 
135; commenced revision of the Bi- 
ble, 138; reviews commandments, 142; 
commanded to labor among enemies, 
143; ordained President of the High 
Priesthood, 143; to be remembered 
by bishop of Zion, 143; views on the 
vision of the glories, 144; beaten by 
mob in Hiram, 145; second visit of 
to Missouri, 146; sustained as Presi 
dent of the High Priesthood at Con- 
ference in Missouri, 146; returns to 
Kirtland, 147; revises the scriptures, 
151; finishes the New Testament, 
151; in First Presidency, 151; warns 
the Saints in Zion, 156; gives pa- 
triarchal blessings, 168; disbands 
Zion's Camp in Missouri, 177; cove- 
45 



nants to pay tithing, 179; translates 
Book of Abraham, 184; sees vision ot 
the Celestial Kingdom, 188; receives 
Keys from Moses, Elias and Elijah, 
191, 192; endorses action of Saints 
in Clay County, 196; withdraws from 
Safety Society, 196; goes to Mis- 
souri, 199; holds council, 199; ac- 
cused by false brethren, 200; flees 
from Kirtland, 205 ; arrested on Pen- 
iston charges, 218; tried before Judge 
King, 219; visits De Witt, 221; at 
funeral of David W. Patten, 225; 
taken prisoner at Far West, 238, 239; 
condemned to be shot, 241; taken to 
Independence, 242; in Richmond 
prison, 243; rebukes the guards, 244; 
taken to Liberty, 249; escapes from 
Missouri, 256; moves to Commerce, 
266; heals the sick at Montrose, 269; 
elected a member of Nauvoo Council, 
272; instructs the Apostles, 274; dis- 
courses on Priesthood, 275; comment 
of, on the mission of the apostles, 
285, 286; appointed to importune at 
Washington for redress, 288; appeal 
of, to the people, 288; interview of, 
with President Van Buren, 289, 292; 
interview with John C. Calhoun, 
292; return of, from Washington, 
293; released on habeas corpus by 
Stephen A. Douglas, 301; writes to 
John Wentworth, 315; teaches temple 
ordinances, 318; at sham battle at 
Nauvoo, 320; John C. Bennett's 
treachery shown to, 320; chosen 
Mayor of Nauvoo, 321; accused as an 
accessory to the assault on L. W. 
Boggs, 323; prophesies that Saints 
would be driven to Rocky Mountains, 
324; arrested on charge of being ac- 
cessory, 325; goes into retirement, 
326; writes to Wilson Law, 329; sur- 
renders for trial, 330; discharged by 
Judge Pope, 331; entertains his 
friends, 332; intimation of his death, 
333; instructs the Saints in doctrine, 
334, 335; prophecy of, to Stephen A. 
Douglas, 341; fulfilment of, 342; 
conspiracy of J. C. Bennett and oth- 



690 INDEX 

ers against, 343; departure of, for Smith, Samuel Harrison, joins Presby- 
Dixon, 344; preaches at Pawpaw terian Church, 42; baptism of, 71; 
Grove, 346; arrives in Nauvoo, 348; one of the eight witnesses, 78; at or- 
address of, to the Saints, 349; trial ganization of Church, 91; ordained 
of, before Municipal Court, 349; an elder, 98; takes missionary jour- 
candidacy of, for President, 356; ney, 103; member of High Council, 
views of, on government, 357; mem- 169. 

orial of, to Congress, 359; discourse Smith, Sardius, killed at Haun's Mill, 
on plottings of traitors, 360; indict- 235. 
ment of, for polygamy, 365; appeal Smith, Silas, 29. 

of, to Gov. Ford, 369; receives com- Smith, Sylvester, member of High 
mand from Gov. Ford to go fo Carth- Council, 169; chosen a seventy, 182; 
age, with pledge of protection, 370; clerk at general assembly, 185; apos- 
reply of, to Gov. Ford, 372; depart- tasy of, 200. 

ure of, for the west, 373; decision of, Smith, Thomas L., discouraging report 
to go to the west, 372, 373; prophecy of, 445. 

of, to Stephen Markham, 373; ac- Smith, Warren, killed at Haun's Mill, 
cused by . false brethren, 374; 235. 

preparation of, to go to Carthage, 374; Smith, William, baptized 98; chosen an 
departure of, for Carthage, 375; re- apostle, 181; excommunication of, 
marks to Daniel H. Wells, 375; re- 463. 

turn of, to Nauvoo with Captain Smoot, Abraham O., leads company of 
Dunn, 375; charged with treason, 376, pioneers, 461; 498, 499. 
377; false imprisonment of, 377, 378; Smoot, Reed, case of, before the Sen- 
illegal summons of, for trial, 379; ate, 625, 627; reply of, to charges, 
martyrdom of, 382, 383. 627; the case of, decided. 628. 

Smith, Joseph. Sen., witness of Book Snow, Erastus, accompanies Orson 
of Mormon, 78; baptized, 93; or- Pratt to Salt Lake Valley, 449; call 
dained a priest, 98; visits Potsdam, ing of, to apostleship, 472; mission of, 
104; ordained a high priest, 126; or- to Scandinavia, 483. 
dained patriarch, 168; member of Snow, Lorenzo, calling of, to apostle- 
High Council, 169; death of, 297, 298. ship, 472; mission of, to Italy ^83; 

Smith, Joseph F., call of, to apostleship, sustained as President, 615; state 
539; second counselor to President ment of > on Roberts Case > 6l7 ' holds 
John Taylor, 589; chosen counselor solemn assembly, 619; issues bonds, 
by President Wilford Woodruff, 603; 6l9 > teaches tithin ^' 619 > deat ^ of ' 
sustained as President, 623; attitude 62L 
of, toward traducers, 629; dedicates Snow > Zerubbabel, 477. 
Joseph Smith Monument, 631; visits Solemn Assembly, m Ivirtland Temple. 
Europe, 631; address to the world 



., „ ,. • . snc. Southwick, Edward, 345, 350. 

632; manifestation given to, 636; ' . ' ' 

iencer, Daniel, 359; leads co 

pioneers, 461; calling of, to preside, 



Spencer, Daniel, 359; leads company of 
death of, 637. 



Smith, Lot, 505. 

Smith, Lucy Mack, mother of the ^^ Qrson> 492 

Prophet, 32, 42. Spiritual Gifts, ceased in the primitive 

Smith. Robert F., (justice of the Church, 9. 

peace), 377, 379. Sprinkling, doctrine of, denies mercies 
Smith, Samuel, fought in Revolution- f Christ, 10. 

ary War, 26. Staines, William C, 508. 



INDEX 



691 



Stakes of Zion, to be appointed in Mis- 
souri, 210, 212; organized in Illin- 
ois and Iowa, 268; organization of, in 
Salt Lake Valley, 460, 461. 

Standing, James, 41S. 

Standing, Joseph, murder of, 585; 
586. 

Stanton, Edward, 530. 

Statehood for Utah, 612. 

Steadwell, Mary, wounded at Haun's 
Mill, 234. 

Steel, John, 456. 

Steel, Young Elizabeth, 456. 

Stenhouse, T. B. H., 483, 546. 

Steptoe, Col. Edward J., 496. 

Stiles, Judge, 494. 

Stoddard, Judson L., 499. 

Stowel, Josiah, 59; testifies for Joseph 
Smith, 100. 

Strang, James J., 390 and note. 

Strickland, O. F., 550, 551. 

Stringham, William, baptized, 99. 

Strong, Elial, 151. 

Strubble Bill, The, 605. 

Stout, Hosea, 484. 

Sugar Creek, 401. 

Tabernacle, 539. 

Tabernacle Choir, at World's Fair, 611. 

Talmadge, Rev. T. De Witt, 578, 592. 

Tanner, Thomas, 437. 

Tarbill, Squire, 59. 

Taylor, John, loyalty, of, 199; petitions 
Missouri Legislature, 250; assists 
Saints to leave Missouri, 259; called 
to apostleship, 260; sent to Carthage 
to see Gov. Ford, 369; in Carthage 
jail, 380; wounding of, 383; arrival 
of, from England, 436; mission of, 
to France, 483; remarks of, on ap- 
proach of army, 501; character and 
labors of, 575; comment on Reynolds 
Case, 576; enjoined by the court as 
trustee-in-trust, 583; remarks of, at 
Jubilee Celebration, 587, 588; sus- 
tained as President, 589; prediction 
of an approaching storm, 596; deci'h 
of, 600. 

Taylor, John W., case of 630; resigna- 
tion of, 631. 



Teasdale, George, 589; called to apostle- 
ship, 621. 

Temple, dedication of site in Zion, 134; 
at Kirtland, 153; blessings in Kirt- 
land, 188; dedication of Kirtland, 
190; revelation on the Nauvoo, 302, 
303; order of building, 309; laying 
cornerstones of Nauvoo, 308, 309 
dedication of font in Nauvoo, 310 
sealing blessings obtained in the, 340 
ordinance work in Nauvoo, 400; ded- 
ication of Nauvoo, 400; site chosen 
for Salt Lake, 454; laying corner- 
stones of Salt Lake, 481, 482; dedi- 
cation of St. George, 563; dedication 
of Logan, 590; dedication of Manti, 
604; dedication of Salt Lake, 610; 
dedication of Hawaiian, 639. 

Test Oath, The, 594 . 

Therlkill, Milton H., 456. 

Therlkill, George W., 456. 

"This is the Place," 450. 

Thomas, Judge Jesse B., 368. 

Thompson, Robert B., 272, 300, 312. 

Tillery, Samuel, (jailer) 254, 256. 

Times and Seasons, 311, 316. 

Tithing, 179; law of, 213. 

Tomlinson, Brother, assists Joseph 
Smith, 205. 

Town, David, 346. 

Transubstantiation, a doctrine ot Uatn- 
olics, 10. 

Tribulations to come before blessings. 
131. 

Tribune, Salt Lake, 548, 596, 629. 

Turley, Theodore, 255, 374. 

Turnham, Judge, 175, 254. 

Union Pacific R. R., 541. 

Union Vedette, 531, 533. 

Urim and Thummim, deposited with 
the plates, 52, 55, 57; not to be 
shown, 53; delivered to Joseph Sm"th, 
60; used in the translation of the 
plates, 62; revelation given through, 
65; taken from Joseph Smith and re- 
stored again, 66; should be shown to 
three witnesses, 74. 

Utah Central, R. R., 541, 



692 INDEX 

Utah Commission, The, 593; test oath Wentworth, John, letter to, 315. 

of » 594. West, contemplated expedition to thi, 

Utah, Territory of, created, 477. 358. 

Weston, Samuel, Justice of the Peaci, 

Van Buren, Martin, answer of, to Jo- 164. 

seph Smith, 289, 292. Whitehead, Benjamin, defends Nauvoo, 

Van Vliet, Capt. Stewart, 500, 501, 419. 

502. Whiting, Colonel, 30. 
Varian, Charles S., 613. Whitmer, Christian, witness of Book 
Vaughan, Vernon H., 550. of Mormon, 78; to be remembered by 
Vedette, the Union, 531, 533. bishop of Zion, 143; death of, 188. 
Venable, Dr. Samuel (mobber), 223. Whitmer, David, meets the Prophet, 70; 
Vicar of Croyden, denounces printing, baptized, 71; testimony of, 80; at or- 
17. ganization of Church, 91; to be re- 
Vision, of Joseph Smith, 41, 43, 44, membered by bishop of Zion, 143; re- 
47; rejected, 47; of the Celestial jected by the Saints, 206; excom- 
Kingdom, 188; of the glories, 144. municated, 208, 209. 

Whitmer, Jacob, witness of Book of 
Wade Bill, 542. Mormon, 78; excommunicated, 209. 
Wade, J. H., 527. Whitmer, John, 71; witness of the Book 
Waite, Charles B., (Judge) 528, 529. of Mormon, 78; appointed historian, 
Walker, Cyrus, 345, 350, 355. 124 5 offers himself a ransom, 161; re- 
Walker, William, 484. jected by the Saints, 206; excom- 
Wall General 293. municated, 207; withholds Church 
Wallace, George B., leads company ot Record, 208; testifies to truth of 

pioneers, 461. Book of Mormon, 260, 261. 
Wandell, Charles W., 484. Whitmer, Peter, Jr., zeal of, 71; bap- 
Ward, Thomas, 337. tized > 71 "> witness of Book of Mor- 
Warren, Major W. B., 414. mon, 78; at organization of Church, 
Washington, conspiracy in, 403. 91 '> mission to Lamanites, 114. 
Wasson, Lorenzo D., accuses the Whitmer, Peter, Sen., receives the 
Prophet of fleeing from the flock, Prophet, 71; Church organized at 
374. home of, 91. 
Water, danger on the, 135, 136. Whitney, Newel K., 435; death of, 49C. 
Watt, George D., 359. Wight, Lyman, joins the Church, 116; 
Webster, Daniel, 479. ordains high priests, 126; arrested on 
Wells, Daniel H., sells land to Church, Peniston charges, 218; tried before 
268; elected alderman of Nauvoo, Judge King, 219; aids in defense of 
272; carries message to the Gover- Far West, 237; taken prisoner at 
nor, 300; trial of Joseph Smith be- Far West, 238, 239; in Liberty prison, 
fore, 368; defends Nauvoo, 419; 249; escapes from Missouri, 256; dis- 
called to the Presidency, 492; at S*l- fellowshiped, 472. 

ver Lake, 499; in Echo Canyon, 503; Williams, Abiathar B., affidavit of, 364. 

request of, to Gov. Shaffer, denied, Williams, Frederick G., joins the 

551, 552; falsely accused of crime, Church, 116; on misison to Laman- 

559; testimony of, in Miles Case, 580; ites, 116; counselor in First Presi- 

imprisonment of, 581; demonstration dency, 151, 152; rejected as counselor 

in honor of, 582. in First Presidency, 204; return of, 

Wells, Heber M., 613. to the Church, 296. 

Wells, R. W., 166, 167. Williams, Levi (mobber), 415. 



INDEX 



693 



Williams, Thomas S., 447. 

Williams, Wiley C. (mobber), 229. 

Willie, James G., 486, 490. 

Willis, Lieut. William W., 427. 

Wilson, Alex., 519, 521. 

Wilson, Charles A., 550. 

Wilson, Harmon T., under arrest. 346, 
347, 350, 355. 

Wilson, Gen., Moses, 236, 242, 247. 

Winder, John R., counselor to President 
Joseph F. Smith 623; death of, 633 

Winter Quarters, 411, 413, 433, 437 
462. 

Witnesses, the Three Special, 72; rev 
elation to, 73; behold the plates, 75, 
76; their testimony, 76, 77; the 
Eight, behold the plates, 78; then 
testimony, 78; impossibility of collu 
sion of, 80. 

Woodruff, Wilford, loyalty of, 199 
called to apostleship, 214; ordained 
an apostle, 262; gives account of 
miraculous healing at Montrose, 269, 
270; departs for England, 277, 279; 
labors of, in Herefordshire, 282; re- 
turn of, from England, 408; preaches 
at first meeting in Salt Lake Valley, 
451; called on Mission to Canada, 
462; sustained as President, 603; is- 
sues the manifesto, 606; unvails the 
Pioneer Monument, 613; death of, 
614. 

Wood, William T., 163. 

Wooden-Gun Rebellion, 551 

Woods, J. W. (attorney), 37/. 

Woods, Rev. Sachiel (mobber), 222, 
228, 241. 

"Word of Wisdom," 149; revelation 
on, 169; action of High Council, 169. 

World War, The, 634. 

Woman Suffrage, 546. 

Worrell, Frank, 379, 381. 

Wycliffe's Bible, 16. 

Yearsley, David D., 358. 
York, John, killed at Haun's Mill, 235. 
Young, Ann Eliza, 560. 
Young, Alphonzo, 359. 
Young, Brigham, visits Joseph Smith, 
150, 151; speaks in tongues, 150; 



chosen an Apostle, 181; loyalty of, 
199; flees from Kirtland, 204; peti- 
tions Missouri Legislature, 250; as- 
sists Saints to leave Missouri, 259; 
fulfils prophecy at Far West, 261; 
departs for England with others of 
the apostles, 227; arrives in Eng- 
land with other apostles, 280; ar- 
rival of, in Nauvoo, 387; remarks of, 
387; at special meeting of August 
8th, 387; transfiguration of. 388; 
loyal expression of. 399; reply 
of, to Gov. Ford, 399; departure of, 
for the West, 401; organization of 
camp by, 402, 405; sustained Presi- 
dent over all the camps, 405 ; arrival 
of, at Missouri River, 407, 408; rev- 
elation to, 433; in council with apos- 
tles, 435; return of, to Winter Quart- 
ers, 436; meeting of, with Battalion 
members from Pueblo, 447; arrival 
in Salt Lake Valley, 450; advice of, 
to pioneers in Salt Lake Valley, 451, 
452; exploration by, 452, 453; se- 
lects site for temple, 454; instruc- 
tion of, 456; return of, to Winter 
Quarters, 459; instructions and bless- 
ing of, for pioneers, 460; sustained as 
President of the Church, 463; de- 
parture of, for the Salt Lake Valley, 
467; arrival of, in Salt Lake Vailjy, 
(1848) 467; appointed of, as gov- 
ernor, 477; accused by territorial of- 
ficials of lawlessness, 478; denies 
charges of federal officers, 479; at 
laying of cornerstones, of Salt Lake 
Temple, 481; vision of, 482; second 
term of, as governor, 496; at celebra- 
tion at Silver Lake, 499, 500; pro- 
clamation of, 502; ultimatum of, 504; 
welcome of, to Governor AHred 
Cumming, 508; attitude of, towards 
Arkansas emigrants, 514, 515; com- 
ment of, on "civilization," 520; ac- 
cused by Cradlebaugh of Mountain 
Meadows crime, 524; enemies of, at- 
tempt to capture, 525; sends message 
over telegraph, 527; inspiration of, 
533; communication of, with Gen. 



/ 






694 



INDEX 



Sherman, 535, 536; answer of, to the 
merchants, 537; advice of, to L. D. S,, 
538; respect of, for civil authority. 
549; on trial, 557, 560; indictments 
against, 558; falsely accused of crime, 
559; present at dedication of St. 
George Temple, 563; death of, 563; 
the administration of, 565. 

Young, Brigham, Jr., call of, to the 
apostleship, 540; imprisoned by Judge 
Emerson, 584. 

Young, Brigham H., kidnapping of, 415. 

Young, John, death of, 297; 482. 

Young, Joseph, chosen president of the 
seventy, 182; 489. 

Young, Phineas, 358. 

Young, Phineas H., kidnapping of, 415. 



Young, Richard M., 264, 290. 

Zelph, white Lamanite, 171. 

Zion, days of rejoicing of, 93; a place 
of refuge, 124; the New Jerusalem, 
124; to be built in Missouri, 128; lo- 
cation of revealed, 130; dedication of 
land of, 132; glory of, 131, 133; ob- 
ject of mission to, 136; to be ob- 
tained by purchase, 138; stakes of, 
146; stake of, at Kirtland, 152, 153; 
to be built by law of consecration, 
156; not to be removed, 170; to be 
built upon celestial law, 177. 

Zion's Camp, 170; journeys of, 171; 
threatened by the mob, 173; cholera 
in camp, 177; camp disbands, 177, 
178. 



£• 7 






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^n-«7) 



